The New Recruits:
ArrMatee-IR-RRR: (Viking) The pale PLC clerk who says 'Arr!'
Sink-IR-SWM: (Alaric) The ever fussy CPU clerk.
Spam-IR-LOT: (Spam) The nervous, accident-prone R&D tech.
Spyd-IR-MAN: (GDaybloke) The perpetually-drowsy PR guy from HPD&MC.
Numb-IR-ONE: (The Phantom Eyebrow) The numerically obsessive CPU clerk.
Blo-IR-UPP: (Panther Gunn) The oddly-eccentric R&D tech.
This game starts sometime around June 18... Stay Tuned!
GM: We're getting a late start, but we're on. If Alaric is able to rejoin us, he can do so at any time. Please use the Paranoia-By-Post thread for out-of-game conversations. Violators will be shot. Repeatedly. ;)
Everyone: (You each experience the same thing at the start of the game, but not together)
You are rudely awakened from your sleepcycle by a stabbing pain in your arm. You sit up suddenly and bang your head on the bottom of the upper bunk. A blinding light shines in your face.
"Wake up, Citizen," a low voice growls. "You've just been volunteered."
You hastily clamber out of your bunk and struggle into your ill-fitting black jumpsuit. Your eyes gradually adjust to the dim light in the dormitory and you realize that there are two Red-level male citizens wearing Armed Forces insignia standing nearby next to a Secbot (Security Robot). One of the men is holding a laser pistol pointed vaguely in your direction, while the other one is holding a hypodermic needle. The Secbot is fairly bristling with non-lethal weapons, but the built-in blaster is what gets your attention.
Everyone else in the dorm is still asleep and the only lights on are the dim emergency lights that remain on during the nightcycle and the Secbot's built-in flashlights.
"Come with us," the man with the laser pistol growls.
Everyone: Do you go with the men without saying anything, or do you do something? Remember to PM me if you're doing anything you don't want the other players to know about.
ArrMatee-IR-RRR slaps his hand to his forehead in a salute to his higher-ups.
"Certainly, Citizen!" he responds in a loud whisper, so as not to wake the other Infrareds. "Always happy to volunteer! Serve the Computer!"
And with that, he will follow the instructions that the Red citizens give him.
Spyd-IR-MAN pats himself down, making sure he hasn't forgotten anything - the latest version of of "Songs About The Computer" on audioloop, for example. A quick visual scan of my bunk should point out anything I'd forgotten...
Once that's done he groggilly stands to attention and blinks.
"Lead on, loyal citizens."
"Always happy to serve the Computer, fellow citizens" exclaims Numb-IR-one somewhat groggily as he wakes from his slumber. As the two figures resolve themselves into view a slightly pained looks crosses his face. "Er... I'm delighted to follow you wherever you may lead me, but really... it doesn't need two of you to do this. Why don't one of you take a well-earned break while the other takes me where I need to go?", he continues, the note of strained bonhomie barely discernable.
Sink, Spam, and Blo:
Your lack of alacrity in getting yourself ready to go has not gone unnoticed.
"Zap him," says the other clone in a bored tone of voice. The Secbot trundles forward, unlimbering a crackling neurowhip.
"I'm going! I'm going!" you shout, quickly fastening up your jumpsuit to avoid getting a nasty shock.
"Stop," the clone tells the Secbot. It obediently stops short.
"I think you should have let it zap him," grumbles the other.
"Nothing doing. I'm not going to be responsible for cooking his nervous system right before an engram copy."
"It didn't affect me, did it? I'm perfectly kayo. Uh, what were we talking about again?"
"Nevermind," the clone rolls his eyes. Then he looks at you. "Get moving, unless you want to end up like him."
"Like who?"
Everyone:
You are escorted to the local transtube station with orders to report to Troubleshooter Mission Control in DTH sector. You suddenly realize that all of your hard work and groveling has finally paid off! You're being promoted! You're going to be a Troubleshooter!
Your enthusiasm ebbs a little when you recall that Commie Mutant Traitors have a habit of shooting back.
The trip is uneventful. Being crammed into a transtube like algae paste in a canister doesn't leave a whole lot of room for movement anyway. You reach your destination... Troubleshooter Mission Control! You are soon ushered into a Briefing Room to await orders. Five other clones are herded into the room with you.
[Please describe yourself to the others.]
Spyd-IR-MAN looks groggily around the room. Barely stifling a yawn, he runs his fingers through an unkempt mop of brown, tousseled hair. At first he appears to be due a shave, and then you realise it's an attempt to look manly and sprout a beard - one that fails so miserably, that he really should shave, but the way he scratches it makes you wonder if it's a vague attempt to impress ladies, or a last-dotch effort to hide his near-lack of a discernable chin.
Thin limbs betray an apparent lack of any sort of physical prowess, though his wiry frame looks like he'd make a swift swimmer, or at least that he'd be able to hide in a small cupboard if he scrunched himself up enough.
He also appears to be scanning the other members of the room with a lazilly cocked eyebrow. He sniffles. Twice.
ArrMatee-IR-RRR is nervously fidgeting, drumming the fingers of his right hand at a rapid-fire pace on his left forearm. His head twitches from side to side at random intervals. Whether all of this is due to natural tendencies, the drugs that were used to rouse him from slumber, or simple overindulgence in the latest flavor of Bouncy Bubble Beverage is unclear.
This particular Citizen is thin and lanky, and much more pale-skinned than the average member of Beta Complex.
He's keeping a tight-lipped, almost manic grin plastered on his face as he looks around at the assorted would-be Troubleshooters.
Quote from: BlueBard on June 26, 2007, 06:21:22 PMYour lack of alacrity in getting yourself ready to go has not gone unnoticed.
"Zap him," says the other clone in a bored tone of voice. The Secbot trundles forward, unlimbering a crackling neurowhip.
"I'm going! I'm going!" you shout, quickly fastening up your jumpsuit to avoid getting a nasty shock.
"Stop," the clone tells the Secbot. It obediently stops short.
"I think you should have let it zap him," grumbles the other.
"Nothing doing. I'm not going to be responsible for cooking his nervous system right before an engram copy."
"It didn't affect me, did it? I'm perfectly kayo. Uh, what were we talking about again?"
"Nevermind," the clone rolls his eyes. Then he looks at you. "Get moving, unless you want to end up like him."
"Like who?"
"Of course, Citizen! My most humblest apologies to the Great Computer. I was up late in diligent service to the Computer, and was momentarily surprised at being called back to service so quickly. Another day in service to the Glorious Computer! Hail the Computer!"
With that, he flops out of the bunk (because jumping out would earn him another crack on the noggin' from the bunk above.....and that would be damaging Computer property), hastily dresses & "fixes" his hair, and then smilingly follows the Red Level Citizens.
QuoteYou are escorted to the local transtube station with orders to report to Troubleshooter Mission Control in DTH sector. You suddenly realize that all of your hard work and groveling has finally paid off! You're being promoted! You're going to be a Troubleshooter!
Your enthusiasm ebbs a little when you recall that Commie Mutant Traitors have a habit of shooting back.
The trip is uneventful. Being crammed into a transtube like algae paste in a canister doesn't leave a whole lot of room for movement anyway. You reach your destination... Troubleshooter Mission Control! You are soon ushered into a Briefing Room to await orders. Five other clones are herded into the room with you.
*mental image*: algae......green algae...... A look of naseua accompanied by a shiver briefly passes over the loyal citizen during the trip
Upon being thrust into the company of new Citizens, Blo-IR-UPP gives them all a brief once-over, to better remember the team who may depend upon him. Under their scrutiny, they see a bright-eyed citizen, alert & aware of his surroundings, with short-cropped black hair.....*very black* hair. While his lack of physical conditioning is just as evident as everyone else's, the yellow stripe on his jumpsuit does catch the eye.
Spyd-IR-MAN blinks upon catching sight of the newest citizen to step forward.
"Um... excuse me, citizen," he says to the nearest Armed Forces trooper.
"I couldn't help but notice that citizen over there is wearing yellow, a colour clearly above his security clearance. I just thought I'd mention that I'd be honoured to assist you in whatever punitive action you're currently planning against this subversive citizen - unless, of course, he's been granted special dispensation by the glorious Computer to wear the stripe, in which case he would clearly be a remarkable clone indeed."
"What a wonderful daycycle for us all. Good citizens, lead me to where you may."
ArrMatee-IR-RRR becomes visibly agitated at the appearance of Blo-IR-UPP, and scoots as far away as he can without leaving the designated waiting area.
"AAAAAAHHHHH!!! Registered Mutant!" he exclaims, pointing a trembling finger at the yellow stripe.
If possible, he ducks behind any other clone, so that there's at least someone between him and Blo-IR-UPP.
Quote from: gdaybloke on June 26, 2007, 07:36:46 PM
Spyd-IR-MAN looks groggily around the room. Barely stifling a yawn, he runs his fingers through an unkempt mop of brown, tousseled hair. At first he appears to be due a shave, and then you realise it's an attempt to look manly and sprout a beard - one that fails so miserably, that he really should shave, but the way he scratches it makes you wonder if it's a vague attempt to impress ladies, or a last-dotch effort to hide his near-lack of a discernable chin.
[Obviously didn't have time to use the mandatory depilatory cream this morning. And for what reason might he want to impress the ladies? Or has he been skipping his mandatory hormone suppressors too? Hmm?]
Quote from: gdaybloke on June 27, 2007, 08:56:04 AM
Spyd-IR-MAN blinks upon catching sight of the newest citizen to step forward.
"Um... excuse me, citizen," he says to the nearest Armed Forces trooper.
"I couldn't help but notice that citizen over there is wearing yellow, a colour clearly above his security clearance. I just thought I'd mention that I'd be honoured to assist you in whatever punitive action you're currently planning against this subversive citizen - unless, of course, he's been granted special dispensation by the glorious Computer to wear the stripe, in which case he would clearly be a remarkable clone indeed."
The Red-level administrative assistant that showed you to the room favors you with a humorless gaze.
"Infrareds," she mutters, then turns and walks out, leaving you alone in the room with the others and the [gasp!] mutant.
[GM Note: In Beta Complex, Registered Mutants are required to wear clothing with a thin yellow stripe running down their chests and backs. If you think this is some kind of genophobic slur, you might be correct.]
Spam and Numbe, you need to describe yourselves to the others. There was another clone here, but he got yanked out of the room. You don't know why or what happened to him.
Quote from: BlueBard on June 27, 2007, 12:05:34 PM
[Obviously didn't have time to use the mandatory depilatory cream this morning. And for what reason might he want to impress the ladies? Or has he been skipping his mandatory hormone suppressors too? Hmm?]
[Considering we were forcibly awakened and ejected from our creches at gunpoint without preparation time, I'd say it's a pretty fair bet that personal grooming wasn't on the to-do list ;)]
The light of realisation dawns in Spyd's eyes as it clicks that Blo is a registered mutant, and thus clearly ALREADY admitting to be a treasonous scumbag, so the fact that he has a yellow stripe is a not as surprising as one might otherwise imagine.
Numb-IR-One seems slightly disconcerted to be part of this motley gathering of six troubleshooters. With his tall, skinny frame and his long greasy black hair he cuts every bit as impressive a figure as his fellows, although he does sport a rather nice pair of glasses. He takes no part in the recent exchanges but the more keenly eyed might notice a slight movement of the lips as if he was reciting a mantra or counting off something. This seems to help him deal with this trying situation.
Whenever there is a supposedly bit of light in the dank room of the dorm, we can see that Spam is just like everybody else... Or at least, he thinks he is. Or maybe everyone else is a bit like him...? Anyway, his blonde hair that looks like it just got woken up is very exubrently... considering he got woken up very, very abruptly. His face is covered in sweat and dirt, as he didn't get a very good sleep, dreaming about... things... His clothes seem to be a bit ragged then everyone elses, maybe because he isn't the most non-clumsy person in Beta-Complex. Oh, and he can also do this cool thing with his thumb... but he doesn't think that the Computer would like that.
Spam and Blo:
[spoiler]You recognize each other from R&D. Not that you really know each other, but you've at least seen each other and know each other from that Service Group.
[/spoiler]
Spam and Numbe:
[spoiler]Be sure to check for a PM titled 'secrets' from me.[/spoiler]
Everyone:
Two Citizens you've never seen before enter the briefing room. One is Orange-level and one is Yellow-level. The Orange-level is a short clone with thin brown hair and a scowl permanently affixed to his face. The Yellow-level is of average height, with dark hair and an arrogant expression on his face. Both wear Armed Forces insignia (crossed force swords) and Troubleshooter insignia (crossed smoking laser pistols). They are both armed and both wearing Reflec armor of the appropriate security level. The Orange-level has -two- holstered pistols.
"STAND AT ATTENTION, YOU MISBEGOTTEN SLUGS!" shouts the Orange-level. Startled, you snap to attention without thinking about it.
"Now listen up, Vat Slime! My name is Shoot-O-LOT and the Mission Control Officer standing next to me is Watch-Y-BAK. You have been assigned to me for Troubleshooter Indoctrination Training. That's right; if you pass the Training you'll be permanently promoted and assigned duties as a Troubleshooter in the service of The Computer. If you don't pass training, well, we'll find some -appropriate- assignment for you. My advice is, you better pass."
"Officer Watch and I will be watching each of you closely. If we see something we don't like, you get demerits. Pile on enough demerits, and a termination voucher will be issued. You will each be temporarily promoted to Red security level for the duration of your training. If you manage to pass training, you keep the security clearance. Fail it and I'll personally bust you down to something below Infrared."
"Before I assign you with Mandatory Bonus Duties and give you your first assignment, do any of you thumb-sucking troglodytes have anything you wanna say? And don't bother trying to kiss my boots... I just shined 'em this morning and I don't want your tongue marks all over 'em. WELL? YOU GOT SOMETHING TO SAY?"
I just stand at attention, and give no signs to say anything that could possibly be offensive to either of the two officers.
I look over at Numbe, and then glance over at Blo, thinking that I remember them from some places that shouldn't be discussed... Not yet.
GM: Correction. The clone heretofore referred to as Numbe is actually named Numb. Sorry. Clerical error. The traitorous clerk responsible has been terminated. Have a nice daycycle.
Spyd:
[spoiler]You feel yourself start to nod off, but manage to stay awake... this time.[/spoiler]
ArrMatee-IR-RRR stands at attention, whacking himself in the face as he attempts to fire off a salute.
"Ready to begin Troubleshooter Indoctrination Training, Citizen Shoot-O-LOT!!!" he calls out as enthusiastically as possible.
"Act-ually," sneers Watch-Y, "it iss Troubleshooter Indoctrination Program Training, Citizen. Ze Computer hass determined zat the acronym for ze other term iss verboten. Zerefore you vill all refer to it as TIPT from now on."
Rubbing his eyes, Spyd stands at the closest approximation to attention he can manage in his weary state, though he keeps glancing out of the corner of his eye at that filthy mutant.
"Alright, you no-account frag baits," Shoot-O says loudly, almost a yell, "Time to assign your Mandatory Bonus Duties!"
"Citizen Numb! You are the Loyalty Officer! You make sure the rest of these dust-crawlers aren't getting away with any treasonous activities or attitudes, understand?"
"Citizen Spam! You will be the Communications and Recording Officer! You will requisition and maintain the Com units and the Multicorder! You will insure that EVERYTHING relating to this mission gets recorded! You will maintain radio silence as required! You will keep in constant contact with Troubleshooter Dispatch! You read me, recruit?"
"Citizen ArrMatee! You are the Equipment Guy! You will insure that ALL equipment assigned to this team is kept in perfect working order, or I'll have you doing extra duty as reactor shielding!"
"Citizen Blo! You are the Hygiene Officer! You are responsible to make sure this team is neat and respectable at all times! If anybody busts my chops because you goons are out of order, I'll make sure you spend the rest of your short, miserable life cleaning transtubes! And I won't be checking to see if the tube is out of service first, either!"
"Citizen Spyd! You are the Happiness Officer! You will insure that EVERYONE gets their mandatory medications as required and you will insure that EVERYONE on this team has the right attitude, that morale is high, and that EVERYONE is happy. And you better make sure I don't get UN-HAPPY with your performance!"
"Now, unless someone would like to object to their new duties, I suggest you get a move on to the DTH sector PLC outlet to receive your assigned gear. Don't forget to requisition anything you need for your Bonus Duty. ArrMatee! Take these authorization forms with you!"
Shoot-O points at a large stack of forms sitting on the conference table. Then he looks around the room.
"YOU DIPWADS STILL HERE?! MOVE IT!!!"
Everyone:
On your way to the PLC Outlet, each of you takes a short detour. You'll each be getting secret orders via PM.
Nodding to himself as he enters the PLC outlet, Spyd goes through the small pile of requisition forms he's gathered.
"Lessee... standard issue reflec and red laser pistol... Sturdy pack... A week's worth of happiness pills for a team of five, assorted grades, flavours, and mandatory side effects... dispensing apparatus for same... backpack with lots of small pockets to keep them all sorted and compartmentalised... six-pack of bouncy bubble beverage, ultra-mega-happy flavour... personal issue multicorder for vid-recording happiness progress and capturing moments that show the glorious heroism of the computer's designated troubleshooters for HPD&MC PR editting... notebook, writing implement... length of string with shiny thing on end...
...
... why the heck do I need that? Oh well, the computer's will be done..."
He flicks through a few more forms in his pile and then looks up, trying to spot a PLC clerk who can fulfil his requisitions.
Shoot-O appears just as the last of you straggles in to the PLC Outlet.
ArrMatee is in line waiting his turn to present the team's authorization forms to the bored Red-level clerk behind the counter. He's fifth in line behind four Reds. Everyone else is just sort of standing around.
If anyone wants something besides the standard issue, they'd better grab a requisition form and figure out what they need. Or figure out how to steal it. But that won't be a simple prospect... there's a fussy Orange-level supervisor hovering around keeping a watchful eye, and if that isn't enough deterrent there are a pair of lethal-looking Secbots just inside the door.
If anyone is doing anything underhanded, better PM me. Otherwise, post your requisition requests along with your justification for each item here in this thread. Alas, I cannot properly simulate the torture of filling out Beta Complex paperwork in a Posting Game... you'll just have to use your imagination. Pretend you're doing your Federal Income Taxes by hand. Itemized. In triplicate. Without help or a copy of the tax code. With a stubby pencil with no eraser. (For you students, substitute Federal Student Loan paperwork.) While simultaneously balancing your checking account. Using double-ledger accounting. Rounding to the nearest $0.000001. And convert that to Yen. Get the idea?
Quote from: gdaybloke on June 28, 2007, 08:33:38 PM
Nodding to himself as he enters the PLC outlet, Spyd goes through the small pile of requisition forms he's gathered.
"Lessee... standard issue reflec and red laser pistol... Sturdy pack... A week's worth of happiness pills for a team of five, assorted grades, flavours, and mandatory side effects... dispensing apparatus for same... backpack with lots of small pockets to keep them all sorted and compartmentalised... six-pack of bouncy bubble beverage, ultra-mega-happy flavour... personal issue multicorder for vid-recording happiness progress and capturing moments that show the glorious heroism of the computer's designated troubleshooters for HPD&MC PR editting... notebook, writing implement... length of string with shiny thing on end...
...
... why the heck do I need that? Oh well, the computer's will be done..."
He flicks through a few more forms in his pile and then looks up, trying to spot a PLC clerk who can fulfil his requisitions.
Uh-huh. Better get in line behind ArrMatee, then, Citizen.
ArrMatee, Spam, and Blo:
[spoiler]It occurs to you that you don't know what 'standard-issue' is for this mission, unless you read the authorization forms. You might want to avoid requisitioning a lot of junk that you'll have to carry around in addition to whatever you HAVE to take with you. This helpful tidbit courtesy of your 'Lore: Beta Complex' skill.[/spoiler]
Spyd gets in line behind ArrMatee with his own stack of requisition forms.
Just then, an Orange-level clone walks into the PLC outlet, walks right past everyone else in line and inserts himself at the head of the line, ahead of all of the lower security clearance clones. He turns and glares briefly at everyone behind him, as if daring anyone to comment.
ArrMatee and Spyd are now sixth and seventh in line, respectively.
Meanwhile, Shoot-O's irritation level seems to be climbing. His scowl deepens, and he keeps glancing at the chronometer and muttering under his breath.
"Hmmm... So I'm the recorder guy... So, wait, what's "standard-issue" for this little training program anyway?"
I will grab any recording devices that I need from ArrMatee, then get in line with some forms and ask about the standard-issue devices that I may or may not need.
ArrMatee-IR-RRR turns around to address his fellow Trainee Troubleshooter Clones:
"Arrr! I've just had an idea that will help increase our efficiency in this mission! Once our Standard-Issue Equipment has been dutifully requisitioned, I will need signatures from each of you before I can distribute equipment to you that you will be responsible for! We can take advantage of our time waiting in line by getting your signatures in advance, thereby saving precious minute-cycles and allowing us to begin our Mission more quickly!"
He smiles brightly at Shoot-O-LOT, trying really hard to look diligent while waiting in line.
Quote from: Spam on June 29, 2007, 08:33:42 AM
"Hmmm... So I'm the recorder guy... So, wait, what's "standard-issue" for this little training program anyway?"
I will grab any recording devices that I need from Spyd, then get in line with some forms and ask about the standard-issue devices that I may or may not need.
FYI... Spyd doesn't have any recording devices. You get in line behind him so you can requisition your own for your Mandatory Bonus Duty. That makes you eighth in line.
"Sounds like a plan, mr... Uh, did I ever catch your name? It's not something bad, like, Kills-Spam-For-Fun, or something like that... right? Oh, and don't mind me... I'm just this way... I don't know why but, OH MY GOSH, LOOK OUT!"
Spam points to the desk clerk, who is merely doing her job, writing something on a form that one of the troubleshooters gave to her. The only part that Spam saw, was her doing something in a jabbing motion, like her putting her pen down to write on the form. But, it's too late, as Spam is already ducking behind the person in front of him.
OFC: Sorry, I meant ArMatee. But, its too late now. =p
ArrMatee-IR-RRR, without missing a beat, smiles brightly even as Spam-IR-LOT cowers behind Spyd-IR-MAN.
"Arr! No, Citizen Spam, I am not from FUN Sector. I am from RRR Sector! Arr! Citizen ArrMatee-IR-RRR is my name! So you don't need to be afraid of me!"
He begins to impatiently tap his foot. "Come, come, Friend Citizens! Let's get these forms signed! An Efficient Citizen is a Happy and Loyal Citizen! You're all Happy and Loyal Citizens.... aren't you?"
Quote from: Spam on June 29, 2007, 08:50:16 AM
"Sounds like a plan, mr... Uh, did I ever catch your name? It's not something bad, like, Kills-Spam-For-Fun, or something like that... right? Oh, and don't mind me... I'm just this way... I don't know why but, OH MY GOSH, LOOK OUT!"
Spam points to the desk clerk, who is merely doing her job, writing something on a form that one of the troubleshooters gave to her. The only part that Spam saw, was her doing something in a jabbing motion, like her putting her pen down to write on the form. But, it's too late, as Spam is already ducking behind the person in front of him.
Spam shouts "OH MY GOSH, LOOK OUT!" while pointing at the clerk and ducking behind Spyd.
This, of course, causes everyone else in the room to flinch. All three Orange-level citizens whip out various weapons and dive for cover. This in turn causes the Reds to scatter out of line, leaving ArrMatee, Spyd, and Spam still in line.
ArrMatee calmly makes his address and everyone else glares at Spam.
"ONE DEMERIT, YOU LUNATIC!" Shoot-O shouts at Spam.
ArrMatee-IR-RRR will start making his way forward in line, seeing as how so many fellow Citizens have graciously given up their place. Should an Orange-level citizen assert his place at the front of the line, however, ArrMatee will happily wait for such a Loyal Citizen to continue his business.
"Pay attention, upcoming Troubleshooters!" he calls out to his fellow 'volunteers' for Troubleshooter duty, as he unerringly walks forward. "Standard Issue Equipment for this Mission shall consist of the following items. Each member of the team shall be issued:
1 - Red-level jumpsuit
1 - Pair of boots
1 - Laser pistol
1 - Red-level laser barrel
1 - Large backpack
5,000 - Loyalty pamphlets
500 - 'I Love The Computer' buttons
You must sign for this equipment before it will be distributed to you! Please fill out the appropriate Requisition Forms for any equipment that you believe may be appropriate to your Mandatory Bonus Duty! Have a pleasant day-cycle, Friend Citizens!"
The Orange-level who was in line rushes forward. "Hey! I was here first!" he proclaims and barges ahead of ArrMatee.
"So were we," one of the Red level Citizens growls. "INFRA-red," he stresses for emphasis.
Quote from: BlueBard on June 29, 2007, 10:30:13 AM
The Orange-level who was in line rushes forward. "Hey! I was here first!" he proclaims and barges ahead of ArrMatee.
"So were we," one of the Red level Citizens growls. "INFRA-red," he stresses for emphasis.
ArrMatee obligingly steps aside for the Orange-level citizen to pass.
He then looks innocently at the Red Citizen who growled at him. "I'm sorry, Citizen - I don't know who you are referring to. I have Red Security Clearance for the purposes of my current mission, as do the fellow Citizens behind me. Upstanding Citizen Shoot-O-LOT, Security Clearance Orange, is personally overseeing and evaluating this mission," ArrMatee explains, gesturing to the scowling Orange overseer as illustration.
"I merely acted as any Loyal Citizen of Beta Complex would act - I advanced in a line that seemed to have been abandoned, so as not to delay the orderly processing of requisition forms. I
suppose we could ask Citizen Shoot-O-LOT to declare how this line should be reorganized, but I'd much rather not waste his time over such matters."
One look at the increasingly agitated Shoot-O, who has NOT yet reholstered his weapons, is enough to help the Reds fall in behind Spam. The other team members will have to fall in behind them.
"Next," the clerk drones. The Orange is now being served.
I gradually get up in a stable, standing position, not really looking around to see that everyone is looking at him.
"Sorry everyone... I just don't like standing in lines. Makes me nervous..." I say, sweating.
"Oh, what was it that you wanted, ArMatee? Some signatures, or something to that extent? Anyways, where's the form thingy?"
"Arr! Of course, Citizen Spam! Sign right here! And here. And... one moment... here as well."
ArrMatee-IR-RRR returns to concentrating on his own paperwork, occasionally looking up expectantly to see if any of his teammates are ready to sign for equipment.
ArrMatee-IR-RRR has a thought, and whispers something down the line to Spam. Since Spyd is between the two of them, he's probably privy to what is whispered as well.
[spoiler]"Psst! Hey, Spam - let me know if you need any assistance with those forms for your own requisitions. Perhaps that would help ease your tensions from standing in line?"[/spoiler]
Spyd nods sagely.
"Good to see you doing your best for the complex, ArrMatee. I'll take some forms, please. My duties with HPD&MC have made me quite adept at form processing, but I'll take any assistance you wish to provide."
Spyd beings signing, initialing, and annotating forms.
ArrMatee mumbles a thanks to Spyd as he proceeds to make his list of requisitions:
One toolbox, with:
A series of of flathead screwdrivers (sized and configured for standard-issue screws Size One Through Six);
One adjustable wrench;
One soldering kit;
One set of wire strippers;
One set of pliers;
One can opener;
One small coil of wire (insulated);
One Geiger counter;
One meter-long power extension cord;
One set of power adapters.
Stated Purpose: As designated Equipment Guy for this mission, I will require the above-listed equipment to perform maintenance on additional equipment requisitioned by my Troubleshooter team, so as to better ensure the return of said equipment at the end of the mission in proper repair.
One suit of Red Reflec Armor
Stated Purpose: All Troubleshooters on this team have been issued Red Security Clearance Laser Pistols and Red Security Laser Barrels. Proper Safety Protocols require the additional use of Red Reflec Armor to ensure the safety of valuable Computer property, and the safe return of requisitioned equipment at the end of the mission.
Very shakily with the pen, I reach out for the paper, but flinch before signing.
"Are you sure this is... safe? I don't know if I should do this or not... Your not out to get me, are you? Like, in any deadly way are you? Gosh, I feel like this room is getting smaller, is this room getting smaller? Maybe I shouldn't sign... Then they'd know where I would be... Because I signed... That... Thing... Maybe... Uh... I just..."
I stop talking, and stand very still waiting for a response. Even if there isn't a response, I'll stand very still... Because any move could be fatal...
Quote from: Viking on June 29, 2007, 10:03:15 AM"Standard Issue Equipment for this Mission shall consist of the following items. Each member of the team shall be issued:
1 - Red-level jumpsuit
1 - Pair of boots
1 - Laser pistol
1 - Red-level laser barrel
1 - Large backpack
5,000 - Loyalty pamphlets
500 - 'I Love The Computer' buttons
Blo will get into line (finally). [spoiler]Blo will look over his authorization forms, checking his list with what the Equipment Guy has listed off as mandatory. [/spoiler]
"Good Friend Citizen ArrMatee, for the purpose of clarification, as the Equipment Guy, will you be requisitioning *everything* our team needs for our training, and then we are to requisition each item in turn from you? If so, as Hygiene Officer, I request that you requisition a Personal Hygiene Kit and Boot Polish kit for each team member. Each team member will also require a Thermos, to keep on hand a fresh supply of water to clean with. I will also require a Multicorder I, to properly capture our team in it's gleaming finest."
Blo proceeds to fill out all appropriate requisition forms for all of the items he's asked for.
ArrMatee-IR-RRR is more than happy to clarify the process to his fellow Troubleshooters-In-Program-Training (TIPT).
"Every team member is responsible for filling out the forms and processing them with a PLC clerk, for each item they deem necessary to fulfill their Mandatory Bonus Duties. As designated Equipment Guy, my duty is to regularly check any equipment the team is issued or successfully requisitions, to make sure that it remains in proper working order."
"Of course, Citizen Blo, you may note that I said, 'successfully' requisitions. Such is the wisdom of the Computer, that not everything that we requisition may be automatically issued to us. Priorities have to be made - ours is not the only Troubleshooting team that serves our Friend, the Computer. We cannot expect recording equipment to be issued to all of us, if it would deny the use of such recording equipment to higher Security level Troubleshooters. Hence, it is your responsibility to make your requisitions, as correctly and persuasively as possible, directly with the PLC clerk."
"Well then if we'll be neading all of those extra things, I'll need some extra requisition forms, and some blank forms so I can jot down things... because... I forget things very bad like."
I say, gulping as the line gets shorter.
A brief description of the PLC Outlet, for those who are interested:
This room is essentially the front office for a warehouse, but there is no direct access to that. Behind the counter and behind the clerk is a door that leads back into the warehouse area.
However, this is also a sort of convenience store and some of the less valuable goods are on display in this room. Lots of bouncy bubble, lots of cruncheetyme algae chips, and assorted other items.
The Clerk takes the Orange-level citizen's paperwork with her into the back room. This citizen taps his foot impatiently waiting for his requisition to be filled.
* Numb-IR-one continues holding his place further back in the queue. Being a part of this singular, orderly arrangements seems to be suit him and he is at his ease. The thoughts of the exciting missions ahead and the cool free stuff he can requistition from the Computer seem to further gladden him. The only potential concern he might have is the agitated state of Spam-R-lot further up ahead in the queue but he can see that some of the other loyal citizens seem to be calming him down. *
* Ah yes, life is good. *
Quote from: The Phantom Eyebrow on July 01, 2007, 02:03:41 AM
* Numb-IR-one continues holding his place further back in the queue. Being a part of this singular, orderly arrangements seems to be suit him and he is at his ease. The thoughts of the exciting missions ahead and the cool free stuff he can requistition from the Computer seem to further gladden him. The only potential concern he might have is the agitated state of Spam-R-lot further up ahead in the queue but he can see that some of the other loyal citizens seem to be calming him down. *
* Ah yes, life is good. *
The clerk finally reappears and shoves a box at the Orange-level. "Next!" she cries.
Numb:[spoiler]It suddenly occurs to you that you are in line behind the Reds and that makes you EIGHTH in line! Horrors![/spoiler]
ArrMatee, you're up. Do you just shove the paperwork at the clerk, or do you attempt to interact with her?
SPyd calmly waits his turn, occasionally tweaking his arm hairs and humming a Bouncy Bubble Beverage jingle.
ArrMatee attempts some basic friendly interaction with the clerk.
"Greetings, Citizen," he says casually. "Another exciting daycycle working the desks at PLC, isn't it?"
The last line is given with a knowing sardonic grin.
"Anyways - here's the forms for the Standard-Issue Equipment authorized for my team by Citizen Watch-Y-BAK. These other forms are my own Requisitions. But I tell you what - if you help speed my Requisitions through processing, I'll give you a Happiness Energy Bar to make your day even better. Good for us all to have that extra bit of Happiness as we serve the Computer, arr?"
Quote from: Viking on July 02, 2007, 07:15:40 AM
ArrMatee attempts some basic friendly interaction with the clerk.
"Greetings, Citizen," he says casually. "Another exciting daycycle working the desks at PLC, isn't it?"
The last line is given with a knowing sardonic grin.
"Anyways - here's the forms for the Standard-Issue Equipment authorized for my team by Citizen Watch-Y-BAK. These other forms are my own Requisitions. But I tell you what - if you help speed my Requisitions through processing, I'll give you a Happiness Energy Bar to make your day even better. Good for us all to have that extra bit of Happiness as we serve the Computer, arr?"
The clerk favors you with a look of utter boredom.
"Gee. What a big spender! Gosh, where else could I find a Happiness Energy Bar? Aside from the five-thousand units in crates in the warehouse, that is."
The clerk looks over the forms for your mission issue. Her eyes narrow. "That's a lot of stuff." She continues reading, then sighs. "The paperwork's in order, though. Wait here." She motions over her supervisor. "Mission team in with a big order. Can you watch the counter for me?" Then she disappears into the back room.
The Orange PLC supervisor steps behind the counter and says, "I see you have some additional requisition forms. Let me have a look at them, hmmm?" He starts going through the rest of your requisitions.
The Orange-level mutters under his breath as he goes through ArrMatee's requisitions.
"Approved, approved, denied, denied, approved...blah, blah, blah... denied, denied, denied."
He moves to a terminal and begins to key in the requests. He ignores any and all attempts by ArrMatee to get his attention.
Several minutes later, the clerk reappears laden with boxes. Two jackobots come in behind her with more boxes.
"Here's your mission issue, Citizen. Sign here."
With a smile, ArrMatee signs and will set to work getting the boxes set up away from the PLC counter so that the processing of requests can continue with as little fuss as possible.
The clerk takes ArrMatee's paperwork from the supervisor, who goes back to hovering over the storefront area.
"Let's see... You're approved for all of this stuff here. And these have been denied." She shoves some of the forms back across the counter.
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]The following items have been denied. Everything else you specifically requested has been approved.
Red Reflec
Toolbox (you got the tools, though)
Extension Cord
Power Adapters
Geiger Counter
You can try to appeal to get the denied items, if you want.[/spoiler]
ArrMatee delivers on his promise of offering a Happiness Energy Bar to the clerk, despite her apparent indifference.
"Thank you for such prompt delivery of this equipment!" he says genuinely.
He then tries to appeal to the clerk for approval of the remaining items, keeping his voice lowered so as not to disturb the other Troubleshooters waiting in line. He does occasionally turn and gesture to his various teammates, and once gestures at Citizen Shoot-O-LOT, with a rather more forced grin on his face.
(*Details of this discussion being handled via PM*)
"Okay, I get where you're coming from Citizen," the clerk replies. "But no can do on the Reflec armor. Got no more Red Reflec in stock. Sorry. Check back next week."
At this, the Reds in line all groan and abandon their places in line. The clerk continues.
"The other item you requisitioned is above your security level, Citizen. I'm going to need additional justification for that. Why can't you just stuff everything into the backpack you were issued?"
"I could, Friend Citizen," ArrMatee replies, "but a Troubleshooter must always be ready to act swiftly, for the good of the team and the mission! An Equipment Guy who has such an item is far more organized and ready to respond to a maintenance request (*like a laser fight*) in an efficient manner than one who does not!"
"Failing that, however, I could work with a tool belt. That would enable me to have a variety of repair tools close-at-hand, for a variety of emergencies. Would that be closer to my Security Clearance?"
Quote from: Viking on July 02, 2007, 10:19:12 AM
"I could, Friend Citizen," ArrMatee replies, "but a Troubleshooter must always be ready to act swiftly, for the good of the team and the mission! An Equipment Guy who has such an item is far more organized and ready to respond to a maintenance request (*like a laser fight*) in an efficient manner than one who does not!"
"Failing that, however, I could work with a tool belt. That would enable me to have a variety of repair tools close-at-hand, for a variety of emergencies. Would that be closer to my Security Clearance?"
"Approved," she sighs. "Let me get your stuff."
A few minutes later you receive:
ArrMatee:[spoiler]Hottorch
SuperGum
SuperSolvent
Flashlight
Thermos
Knife
Plasticord (4 m)
Happiness Energy Bars (3)
Bullhorn
Set of screwdrivers
Adjustable wrench
Soldering kit
Wire strippers
Pliers
Can Opener
Wire (30 m)
Tool belt[/spoiler]
"Next!" she calls out.
Spyd, you're up. You present the clerk with your paperwork. She eyes the first item on the list.
"You know you're not getting the reflec, right?" She picks up a red marker and starts lining things out on your forms. "Here's what you're approved for, Citizen." She shows you the forms so you can see what you get and what you don't.
Spyd:[spoiler]Here's the list of stuff you'll get, no problem. The other stuff was denied. Do you try to appeal for the other items?
Red laser barrel (1) APPROVED
Multicorder I APPROVED
Little Black Friend (10) APPROVED
Wakey-Wakey (10) APPROVED
Sleepy-Sleepy (10) APPROVED
Wide-Awake (10) APPROVED
Tireless Servant (10) APPROVED
Bouncy-Bubble (6) APPROVED
Pencil APPROVED[/spoiler]
ArrMatee is now busily checking, organizing, and opening the boxes of equipment so that his fellow Troubleshooters may claim their Mission Equipment once they have signed for it.
Spyd runs his eyes down the list. Nodding at the approvals, smiling slightly less at the denials, until he comes to one in particular.
"Pardon me, citizen- clearly the Computer, in all its wisdom, has assigned you to this duty, and I must commend you on doing such a marvellous job. I appreciate the hard work you do in service to the complex, but I must appeal this one.
[spoiler]
Spyd points at the word 'notebook' on the list.
"Clearly, if I am to properly diagnose the needs of my team with regard to happy pills and the like, I'm going to have to be able to make notes - these will also aid in future missions, since I'll be better able to advise other Happiness Officers of correct dosages for particular clones in particular states on not-quite-as-happy-as-they-should-be-ness.
Something to write these notes on is pretty much intrinsic to fulfilling this aspect of my computer-assigned role in the team. I would so hate to have to report to Shoot-O-LOT at the end of the mission, that I was unable to fulfil my duties because I was not assigned a notebook. I am certain that the blame would fall on my own shoulders, being a lowly Red-clearance troubleshooter, but I would hate to feel responsible should Shoot-O-LOT decide that an investigation of PLC policies and procedures regarding the equipping of troubleshooting teams be required. So many otherwise loyal clones would come under intense scrutiny, I am certain."[/spoiler]
Quote from: gdaybloke on July 02, 2007, 02:15:23 PM
Spyd runs his eyes down the list. Nodding at the approvals, smiling slightly less at the denials, until he comes to one in particular.
"Pardon me, citizen- clearly the Computer, in all its wisdom, has assigned you to this duty, and I must commend you on doing such a marvellous job. I appreciate the hard work you do in service to the complex, but I must appeal this one.
[spoiler]
Spyd points at the word 'notebook' on the list.
"Clearly, if I am to properly diagnose the needs of my team with regard to happy pills and the like, I'm going to have to be able to make notes - these will also aid in future missions, since I'll be better able to advise other Happiness Officers of correct dosages for particular clones in particular states on not-quite-as-happy-as-they-should-be-ness.
Something to write these notes on is pretty much intrinsic to fulfilling this aspect of my computer-assigned role in the team. I would so hate to have to report to Shoot-O-LOT at the end of the mission, that I was unable to fulfil my duties because I was not assigned a notebook. I am certain that the blame would fall on my own shoulders, being a lowly Red-clearance troubleshooter, but I would hate to feel responsible should Shoot-O-LOT decide that an investigation of PLC policies and procedures regarding the equipping of troubleshooting teams be required. So many otherwise loyal clones would come under intense scrutiny, I am certain."[/spoiler]
The clerk glances at Shoot-O, whose scowl is deepening more and more into something approaching meltdown.
"You have a point, Citizen. Approved."
She goes in back to fill your requisitions and returns several minutes later with your 'stuff', shoving it across the counter:
Spyd:[spoiler]Red laser barrel (1)
Multicorder I
Little Black Friend (10)
Wakey-Wakey (10)
Sleepy-Sleepy (10)
Wide-Awake (10)
Tireless Servant (10)
Bouncy-Bubble (6)
Pencil
Notebook[/spoiler]
"Next!" she calls out. Spam, you're up. Any final changes to your requisition list?
Spyd smiles at the PLC clerk.
"Thank you for all your help and hard work, citizen. The computer is our friend!"
With that he takes his "stuff" and saunters over to join ArrMatee in getting things packed.
He nudges his fellow troubleshooter.
"Don't forget to leave enough room should R&D need anything field tested!"
OFC: No, I think the list is okay.
IG: I walk up to the counter, looking the clerk in the eyes. For some unapparant reason, I'm shaking my requisition form while gripping it tightley, very scared like. I finally reach the counter, throw the form, hoping it'll land on the counter somehow, and start to talk.
"Just... take it... please... just... don't do anything freaky..." I say, nearly in a whisper. A very scared whisper, of course.
Quote from: Spam on July 02, 2007, 06:16:11 PM
OFC: No, I think the list is okay.
IG: I walk up to the counter, looking the clerk in the eyes. For some unapparant reason, I'm shaking my requisition form while gripping it tightley, very scared like. I finally reach the counter, throw the form, hoping it'll land on the counter somehow, and start to talk.
"Just... take it... please... just... don't do anything freaky..." I say, nearly in a whisper. A very scared whisper, of course.
The clerk looks at you suspiciously, then takes the forms and looks at them.
"No problem with the multicorder or the com unit. But the camera is above your security clearance, Citizen. I'm afraid I'll have to deny it unless you can justify why the multicorder isn't good enough to satisfy your needs."
I give the lady a very strange look, a flinch, and then a slam my hands on the counter.
"WHAT!? I'M GETTING DENIED!? DENIED FROM WHAT!? OH GOSH, I CAN ALREADY FEEL THE PAIN!"
Spyd's head snaps up at the outburst.
"By the Computer, it looks like I'm needed already!"
Bottle and camcorder in hand, Spyd rushes over and puts an arm around Spam's shoulder.
[spoiler]Just WHICH bottle will be detailed in PM[/spoiler]
"There, there, fellow troubleshooter, it appears your happiness levels are less than adequate!"
Under the watchful gaze off Shoot-O-LOT and the clerk, Spyd continues.
"I'm sure your loyalty to the computer is beyond question, so this unhappiness must be because of some other influence, but here, I have the answer in my hand!"
Setting the multicorder on the counter, Spyd expertly pops the top off the bottle and rolls a small pill into his waiting palm.
"Here, fellow troubleshooter, this should make you feel much happier! And to further your service to the computer, please allow me to document this moment so that other clones can witness the results of the hard work and dedication of the PLC clerks who provide us with such wonderful pharmaceuticals!"
Smiling gingerly at the clerk and hoping this little bit of flattery has worked, Spyd puts the pill in Spam's hand, picks up his multicorder and starts recording.
Stunned by the amazingly cool, but somewhat strange display of leadership and determination by Spyd, Spam just looks at him strangely during Spyd's entire moment. But when he's given the pill, Spam let's it drop to the ground, and crushes it under his foot.
"WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO!? Was that poison!? Huh!!? I bet it was poison, wasn't it! Don't try and talk me out of this!!! Just, you, clerk person!" I saying, pointing at the clerk.
"Just give me my gear! Make tripely sure that it's safe and secure! ALRIGHT!?! That's all I want, and then you can continue doing your duty for the "awesome computer" I say, doing little hand motions when the Computer is mentioned.
ArrMatee's jaw drops in shock at Spam's outburst. This is followed by a panicked look towards the increasingly enraged Shoot-O-LOT.
"Blatant unhappiness... Refusal to take medication at the Happiness Officer's request.... Incomprehensible but probably disloyal hand gestures when referring to The Computer??? Shall I start filling out the paperwork for his Termination Request now, Citizen Shoot-O-LOT?"
* Meanwhile, oblivious to the shenanigans going on ahead, Numb appears to be wraped up in a fresh problem of his own. Counting off the number of persons in the queue in front of him, he seems out of sorts. There follows a moment of dithering as he looks around him. For a moment he considers addressing the queue member in front of him, then thinks the better of it. Next he turns to the person behind him but again refrains from saying anything. Finally a look of resolution crosses his face. Offering his place in the queue to the person behind him, he goes to the back of the room and rests on a bench until the queues subside. *
Shoot-O charges forward, veins nearly popping through his angry red face. He gets RIGHT in Spam's face.
"THREE DEMERITS, RECRUIT! YOU WANNA PUSH ME ALL THE WAY TO TERMINATION VOUCHER? HUH? OR DO YOU WANNA GIVE ME AN EXCUSE TO SKIP IT? CAUSE I HATE PAPERWORK! YOU'RE GONNA TAKE YOUR MEDS AND EVERY OTHER LAWFUL ORDER YOU'RE GIVEN OR I'M GONNA SEE IF YOUR NEXT CLONE IS ANY LESS OF A SPAZZ AND POSSIBLY HALFWAY USEFUL AS A TROUBLESHOOTER! YOU READ ME, RECRUIT?!"
Spam:
[spoiler]Shoot-O's impressive volume and violent delivery has shaken you to the point where you think you might be about to lose bladder control. How do you react? Especially considering you haven't taken possession of your laser pistol yet...[/spoiler]
Then Shoot-O turns to Numb.
"WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING, RECRUIT? OR AM I GONNA HAVE TO USE YOU FOR TARGET PRACTICE, TOO? GET YOUR PRISSY BUTT BACK IN LINE AND GET YOUR ISSUE!!!"
I should also hasten to point out that the Secbots guarding the Outlet have moved from their positions at the door and have now flanked the entire group between them...
[spoiler]I try to control myself in any way I can, as I don't want to draw any more attention (especially if it involves my bladder). So I guess I'll just wait for the clerk to give me my stuff, and then get the crap out of line.[/spoiler]
Spam visibly forces himself to be calm and softly asks for his issue. Shoot-O relaxes a little and the Secbots stand silently. The clerk, a bit shaken herself, scurries into the warehouse and returns a few moments later with Spam's multicorder and com unit.
"Sign here," she says. (I assume Spam does so without complaint)
"Next!" she calls out.
Blo, you're up. Do you want to make any last minute changes in your requisition?
After the clarifications provided by the helpful Equipment Guy, and the revelation about the Reflec, Blo will amend his requisition forms to include a mix of everything that he's mandatorily authorized for the mission, the list the Equipment Guy rattled off, 5 Personal Hygiene kits, 5 Boot Polish kits, and 5 thermoses.
Spyd looks around for the pill dropped by Spam, fearful of wasting Computer property.
I quickly scurry out of the line with my newly requisitioned equipment, and go ask ArMatee for any standard equipment I need for the mission. Then, I sit down at a place where I could sit, and wait for the rest of the team.
Quote from: Panther_Gunn on July 04, 2007, 12:18:26 AM
After the clarifications provided by the helpful Equipment Guy, and the revelation about the Reflec, Blo will amend his requisition forms to include a mix of everything that he's mandatorily authorized for the mission, the list the Equipment Guy rattled off, 5 Personal Hygiene kits, 5 Boot Polish kits, and 5 thermoses.
To clarify... YOU don't need to requisition anything that was on the standard issue list that ArrMatee provided. That's been done for you already. All you need to do is to sign for the stuff that ArrMatee issues you. You can request more of this stuff if you believe the quantities are insufficient.
So your personal requisition is for 5 hygiene kits, 5 boot polish kits, and 5 thermoses, correct?
Quote from: gdaybloke on July 04, 2007, 05:29:04 AM
Spyd looks around for the pill dropped by Spam, fearful of wasting Computer property.
Spyd, you start crawling around on your hands and knees looking for the pill
Spyd:[spoiler]While you're down there, you suddenly start feeling really drowsy...[/spoiler]
As his teammates continue requisitioning their equipment, ArrMatee returns to the business of organizing the Standard-Issue Mission Equipment, for efficient pickup by his fellow Troubleshooters In Program Training. Time permitting, he also busies himself with checking the quality and status of the equipment, to see if there is anything already in need of repair.
Quote from: BlueBard on July 03, 2007, 01:21:53 PM
Then Shoot-O turns to Numb.
"WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING, RECRUIT? OR AM I GONNA HAVE TO USE YOU FOR TARGET PRACTICE, TOO? GET YOUR PRISSY BUTT BACK IN LINE AND GET YOUR ISSUE!!!"
"Er... Sir yes sir!" replies Numb, using the parlance he understands that military folk love so well. "I was simply giving others a chance to benefit from the... I'm getting right back in line now." He enters the queue and, checking ahead of him at those in front, he seems happy again.
This happiness is brief though and he seems discomfitted once the queue advances a pace. Looking behind once more he considers addressing the person behind him but again thinks the better of it. Another uncertain pause and then a look of confident satisfaction crosses his eyes and he addresses the person in the queue in front of him:
"Excuse me citizen. I don't mean to disrupt you in your busy and constructive day-cycle but I have a proposal that might be of interest to us both."
Without waiting to properly size up the response, he continues:
"We're all on the same team here, so to speak, all working together in harmony for the greater glory of The Computer. So I suggest to you that you trade places with me in the queue and in return you can have this beautiful Loyalty pamphlet and a fetching "I Love The Computer" button. Hah? Eh? What do you say? No...? Yes...?". A slightly awkward pause follows. "Tell you what, you can have three of each!"
For the sake of keeping things straight, it is Blo who is in line before Numb and he has just stepped up to the counter to be served.
I should also point out that Numb does not yet have the Loyalty pamphlets... he has to get them and the rest of his standard issue from ArrMatee, who will be more than happy to issue gear to anyone who signs for it, thus signifying receipt of, and responsibility for, said gear.
I should also point out that anyone who DOESN'T receive their mission issue is probably trying to sabotage the mission by not accepting the gear their superiors have deemed essential for completion of said mission.
[OOC] Did I find what I was looking for??[/OOC]
Quote from: BlueBard on July 05, 2007, 06:42:06 AM
Quote from: Panther_Gunn on July 04, 2007, 12:18:26 AM
After the clarifications provided by the helpful Equipment Guy, and the revelation about the Reflec, Blo will amend his requisition forms to include a mix of everything that he's mandatorily authorized for the mission, the list the Equipment Guy rattled off, 5 Personal Hygiene kits, 5 Boot Polish kits, and 5 thermoses.
To clarify... YOU don't need to requisition anything that was on the standard issue list that ArrMatee provided. That's been done for you already. All you need to do is to sign for the stuff that ArrMatee issues you. You can request more of this stuff if you believe the quantities are insufficient.
So your personal requisition is for 5 hygiene kits, 5 boot polish kits, and 5 thermoses, correct?
oog: I'm sorry, my misconception. For some reason my brain wasn't putting all the pieces into the right places. Guess I need a couple more ranks in Beuracracy. ;)
ig: Shuffling through his paperwork, Blo's face brightens, finding the one he was looking for, somewhere on the bottom.
"Ah, here it is.....one requisition for one Multicorder I. As stated, to better show our team in it's gleaming, gloriful service to the Computer!"
Quote from: The Phantom Eyebrow on July 05, 2007, 12:43:03 PMAnother uncertain pause and then a look of confident satisfaction crosses his eyes and he addresses the person in the queue in front of him:
"Excuse me citizen. I don't mean to disrupt you in your busy and constructive day-cycle but I have a proposal that might be of interest to us both."
Without waiting to properly size up the response, he continues:
"We're all on the same team here, so to speak, all working together in harmony for the greater glory of The Computer. So I suggest to you that you trade places with me in the queue and in return you can have this beautiful Loyalty pamphlet and a fetching "I Love The Computer" button. Hah? Eh? What do you say? No...? Yes...?". A slightly awkward pause follows. "Tell you what, you can have three of each!"
After depositing his paperwork on the PLC Outlet counter, Blo looks askance over his shoulder, in the direction the voice has come from: "Pardon me, "citizen", but are you attempting to publicly bribe me with property that not only are you not in posession of, but clearly belongs to the all-knowing Computer? The mind fairly boggles at what could be going on inside the thoughts of such a person, for I would be hesitant to even call one "Citizen". I am sure that Citizen Shoot-O and the Secbots", as Blo nods vaguely in the direction of each, "would have something rather unpleasant to say about such thinking. As I think they are about to." Blo then turns his attention back to the PLC clerk, to hear the fate of his requisitions.
Quote from: gdaybloke on July 05, 2007, 04:23:42 PM
[OOC] Did I find what I was looking for??[/OOC]
Spyd:[spoiler]If you were looking for a good place to lay down and take a nap, then yes. You can barely keep your eyes open. A bottle of Bouncy Bubble might help perk you up a bit...[/spoiler]
Blo:
The clerk takes your paperwork, nods, and goes into the back room. She returns a couple of minutes later and shoves a pile of stuff at you:
[spoiler]5 Personal Hygiene Kits
5 Boot Polish Kits
5 Thermoses
Multicorder I[/spoiler]
"Next!" the clerk calls out. Numb is next in line.
Numb... What are you requisitioning? I don't seem to have your list.
Blo takes his issued items & steps away from the counter. He looks over them briefly, and his head snaps up, eyes wide. "Aah!"
He quickly gets back into line behind Numb, and begins to quickly (yet efficiently) fill out the remainder of his requisition forms (or picks up some new ones, if need be).
Spyd's attention rockets upwards at Blo's exclamation; he stands, salutes the missing pill's sacrifice in service of the computer (while mentally noting that its disappearance wasn't his fault), and saunters over to get the rest of his issue sorted into his pack with the rest of the team.
Quote from: Panther_Gunn on July 08, 2007, 08:15:36 PM
Blo takes his issued items & steps away from the counter. He looks over them briefly, and his head snaps up, eyes wide. "Aah!"
He quickly gets back into line behind Numb, and begins to quickly (yet efficiently) fill out the remainder of his requisition forms (or picks up some new ones, if need be).
GM: What else are you requisitioning? We might take care of you while we're waiting for Phantom Eyebrow to check in, just to speed things up a bit. I'm way ready to get out of PLC, don't know about the rest of you.
Blo...
Just assume the following items were already requisitioned and received by you:
[spoiler]1 canister of ScourClean industrial-strength cleanser
5 scouring pads
1 Skin Core Sampler[/spoiler]
Everyone:
Now, as soon as Numb completes his requisitions, we're off to R&D! (With a brief, off-camera stop to change into your new Red jumpsuits.) Unless someone specifically says they are NOT signing for the equipment ArrMatee is issuing, I assume you are going with the flow and have received said equipment.
Numb: If I don't hear from you by tomorrow, I will assume you are not requesting any additional gear.
As soon as Numb gets to the head of the line, Shoot-O interrupts.
"ALL RIGHT, RECRUITS! THAT'S ENOUGH SKYLARKING! MOVE OUT! DOUBLE TIME! MOVE! MOVE! MOVE!"
Shoot-O herds the team out of the PLC Outlet with threats of demerits and bodily harm. All protests are met with colorful aspersions on the source of your DNA. There is a brief stop at Troubleshooter HQ where everyone is told to get on their new jumpsuits "ON THE DOUBLE!". No privacy is given and Shoot-O has tolerated all the delay he's going to for the moment.
Then, the team is forced to jog to DTH Sector R&D labs at top speed, with Shoot-O snarling, yelling, and cursing the entire way for encouragement. Mind you, top speed is pretty pathetic considering all of the gear you're carrying and how generally unused to strenuous exercise you are. Only when you pass into the heavily reinforced, meter-thick walls of the Testing Area are you allowed to catch your breath.
You see a Yellow R&D tech and a lowly Red assistant with the telltale mutant stripe on his jumpsuit. There is a heavy metal table with a few items on it and something that looks like the skeletal frame of a large humanoid robot with a barrel on the back. Steam appears to be venting out of the barrel.
"My name is Murph-Y-LAW," the R&D tech introduces himself. "I'll be your R&D liason. As you may know, in the Computer's great wisdom R&D has been directed to test it's innovative and highly advanced experimental marvels of science in the field. It has been determined that Troubleshooter teams are usually the best field-testers, and so here you are! Whenever you are given a mission, R&D will issue your team a number of breakthrough new devices and such to be field-tested. Your team leader will decide who is most qualified to test any given item."
"That would be me for this mission," Shoot-O interjects.
Murph-Y gestures at the table with a flourish. "And here they are!" He picks up what appears to be a Red laser barrel.
"This is something we've come up with especially for the new Troubleshooter training program. It's a non-lethal laser device to be used during 'live-fire' training exercises, to cut down on the number of training casualties. Each of you will receive one. It fits on a standard laser pistol or laser rifle, but the beam is absolutely harmless."
He then picks up a harness with photosensors attached at various points. "You will also receive training harnesses to go with the training laser barrels. These will allow your trainer to assess simulated combat damage." He turns to his assistant. "Crash-R, put this on." Crash-R shakes his head, a look of dread in his eyes, but Murph-Y emphatically shakes the harness at him and the Red complies. Murph-Y pulls out a laser pistol and connects one of the training barrels.
"Allow me to demonstrate." He shoots Crash-R with the laser, the red beam of light hitting the harness. Crash-R yelps as you hear a loud buzz from the harness. "You see? The harness delivers a mild electrical shock to the wearer, so you can tell when they've been hit. There's no damage whatsoever." Crash-R continues to twitch as he hastily removes the harness, then starts handing out a training barrel and a training harness to each member of the team, including Shoot-O.
"Put 'em on," Shoot-O growls. You notice, however, that Shoot-O makes no move to put on a harness himself. Before any of you can helpfully point out this oversight, Murph-Y continues.
"Now THIS," he says proudly, pointing to a device in the general shape of a backpack, "is our answer to the inexplicable decline in team morale once in the field. The Portable Morale Booster! Guaranteed to lift the spirits of any team in any situation. As you can see, it has shoulder straps for easy portability. The controls are on the side here, and there's a built-in PA system and a high-fidelity microphone that attaches to the PMB."
Murph-Y moves on to the next gizmo. He picks up something that looks like a shiny elliptical orb. "This is our latest innovation in non-lethal weaponry; the Energy Suppression Grenade! This marvelous device operates on quantum effects in local electromagnetic fields to temporarily suppress the flow of electrical current in a small area. It should disable any advanced weaponry in the possession of an enemy, allowing the Troubleshooters to easily overpower a hostile force."
Next, the tech picks up something that looks like a multicorder. "I'm really proud of this handy gadget. As you may know, one of the most dangerous problems faced by any team of Troubleshooters are traitors with unregistered mutations. Well, that won't be a problem anymore! Behold! The Mutant Detector! Allow me to demonstrate. Crash-R?"
Crash-R closes his eyes and concentrates, then slowly begins rising into the air.
(GM: Anyone with an anti-mutant phobia may react at this point.)
ArrMatee cautiously accepts the harness and laser barrel from the Registered Mutant. He holds it out at arms' length for a few moments before proceeding to check that his equipment is in working order before putting it on, as it will no doubt fall to him to repair any of this equipment in case of emergency.
His head jerks up at the mention of the Mutant Detector, however. When Crash-R actually begins to float in the air, ArrMatee gasps and momentarily fumbles his equipment - just managing to catch it before it hits the ground. He takes several steps back from the obvious display of mutant ability, trying to edge behind one or more of his fellow Troubleshooters.
Slightly miffed at not getting the chance to requistion some cool gear for himself, but loyal enough to trust that Shoot-O's intervention serves the greater good, Numb makes his way with the others to DTH Sector. En route he takes the opportunity to continue his exchange of pleasanteries with Blo: "You know you might have joined the wrong queue back there citizen there citizen; you've just joined the trouble-shooters."
As Crash-R rises into the air, the device that Murph-Y is holding begins to give off a high-pitched warbling sound.
"You see? When a mutant is detected, the Mutant Detector will make that sound to alert you! It will change pitch as you get closer to a detected mutant," he explains.
"Astounding! Another triumph for R&D!" exclaims Spyd.
"This should be documented, for later conversion into a morale-boosting documentary!"
Spyd snaps on his multicorder and raises it to his shoulder.
ArrMatee's voice quavers slightly as he voices a question, still keeping his suspicious gaze on the floating Registered Mutant.
"Arr..... so does this... arr... remarrrkable device from ARR&D only starrrt t'make that sound when some Mutant... arr... decides t'use a Mutant Powarrr near t'the device? Oarrr... does it detect th'mutants even when they arrre layin' low?"
Quote from: Viking on July 10, 2007, 01:37:47 PM
ArrMatee's voice quavers slightly as he voices a question, still keeping his suspicious gaze on the floating Registered Mutant.
"Arr..... so does this... arr... remarrrkable device from ARR&D only starrrt t'make that sound when some Mutant... arr... decides t'use a Mutant Powarrr near t'the device? Oarrr... does it detect th'mutants even when they arrre layin' low?"
Murph-Y favors you with a withering stare of contempt. "Well of course it detects mutants wherever they may be! Of what use would the detector be if it couldn't sense a mutant? Really, now."
Shoot-O's eyes narrow and he growls, "Lemme see that," as he snatches the Detector out of Murph-Y's hands with a glare that seems to dare him to make any objection. Shoot-O gives the device careful scrutiny, turning it over and looking at it. Then he grunts, relaxes, and hands the Detector back to Murph-Y.
The R&D tech places the Detector back on the table and quickly moves to the heavy metal frame, cutting off any further discussion of the Mutant Detector's capabilities for the time being.
"And this final item... This is one of our finest inventions yet. This is a Steam-Powered Exoskeleton! Just like the heavy-duty exoskeletons used in construction work, except this one doesn't need batteries or an external power supply! It can function in any terrain, on or off the complex's power grid, even... Outside." He pauses a moment for dramatic effect.
"This beauty is powered only by water and a small quantity of radioactive material to produce superheated steam. The steam in turn drives the hydraulic systems of the exoskeleton. Sheer genius!"
"Yeah, yeah," Shoot-O grumbles. "Okay, Recruits. Time for your Field-Testing assignments. This is part of your Troubleshooter training, so don't screw up."
"Loyalty Officer Numb! You get the Mutant Detector. Keep an eye out for mutant traitors."
"Happiness Officer Spyd! Take possession of the Portable Morale Booster. Make sure you keep ME happy, Recruit."
"Equipment Guy ArrMatee! You get to test the Energy Suppression Grenade."
ArrMatee:[spoiler]As you pass by Shoot-O, he mutters, "I don't care how you test it... you set that thing off anywhere near me and I'll make sure you regret it, Recruit."[/spoiler]
"Cleanliness Officer Blo! Strap yourself into that exoskeleton and bring up the rear."
"Comm Officer Spam! You get to be the head of the line; I want you up where I can see you, Recruit. Everybody get your gear in shape and get ready to move out!"
ArrMatee snaps to attention, grateful at least for the fact that he seems to get one of the lighter pieces of equipment. Like all equipment that comes into his care, he looks it over carefully, making sure he knows how to activate it, and more importantly - how to avoid accidentally setting it off.
At Citizen Shoot-O-LOT's angry muttering, ArrMatee slaps his hand to his forehead in salute and gives a panicked nod.
"Citizen Murph-Y-LAW?" he calls out. "What is the estimated area of effect for this Energy Suppression Grenade?"
Quote from: Viking on July 10, 2007, 03:29:33 PM
ArrMatee snaps to attention, grateful at least for the fact that he seems to get one of the lighter pieces of equipment. Like all equipment that comes into his care, he looks it over carefully, making sure he knows how to activate it, and more importantly - how to avoid accidentally setting it off.
At Citizen Shoot-O-LOT's angry muttering, ArrMatee slaps his hand to his forehead in salute and gives a panicked nod.
"Citizen Murph-Y-LAW?" he calls out. "What is the estimated area of effect for this Energy Suppression Grenade?"
"I'm sorry, Citizen, but that information is classified," Murph-Y informs you smugly.
ArrMatee:[spoiler]The shiny elliptical orb has a polished mirrorlike surface broken only by an indentation in one end. There is a switch recessed into this indentation. There appear to be three switch positions, marked O, 3, and 5; the switch is currently in the 'O' position.[/spoiler]
Spyd eagerly hefts the PMB and examines to get a better idea of its functionality
[OOC] Such as, what does it look like it is. Other than the shoulderstraps I'm gathering from your description that it's essentially a portable PA system? Can I get a clearer description of the visual please?[/OOC]
Quote from: gdaybloke on July 10, 2007, 08:16:31 PM
Spyd eagerly hefts the PMB and examines to get a better idea of its functionality
[OOC] Such as, what does it look like it is. Other than the shoulderstraps I'm gathering from your description that it's essentially a portable PA system? Can I get a clearer description of the visual please?[/OOC]
I was just waiting for you to ask, Citizen :)
Spyd:[spoiler]The PMB is more than just a portable PA system. There is a small display for selecting different anthems and marches, a dial for volume, a power switch, and several labeled buttons. The buttons are labeled as follows:
Fog Machine
Light Show
Instant Happiness
Crowd Control
AutoFun
Aside from the attached microphone, on a 3 meter cord, and some big honkin speakers, that's about it.[/spoiler]
Quote from: BlueBard on July 10, 2007, 02:14:08 PM"And this final item... This is one of our finest inventions yet. This is a Steam-Powered Exoskeleton! Just like the heavy-duty exoskeletons used in construction work, except this one doesn't need batteries or an external power supply! It can function in any terrain, on or off the complex's power grid, even... Outside." He pauses a moment for dramatic effect.
"This beauty is powered only by water and a small quantity of radioactive material to produce superheated steam. The steam in turn drives the hydraulic systems of the exoskeleton. Sheer genius!"
During the description of this fine piece of technology, Blo's eyes close, and a shudder briefly runs down his spine.
Quote"Yeah, yeah," Shoot-O grumbles. "Okay, Recruits. Time for your Field-Testing assignments. This is part of your Troubleshooter training, so don't screw up."
"Cleanliness Officer Blo! Strap yourself into that exoskeleton and bring up the rear."
"At once, Citizen Shoot-O!" Blo will take a closer look at, and then don the dubious-looking Training Harness, collect the accompanying barrel, and then begin to look over the exo-skeleton, attempting to locate and identify controls, as well as how to actually get into the thing. "I'm more accustomed to having *others* field-test things, but I'm sure the Computer knows best.", he mutters a little to himself.
[spoiler]Blo will try to find a quick, covert way to disable the shock delivery system in his harness before putting it on.[/spoiler]
Blo,
With the help of Murph-Y and Crash-R, you manage to wrestle yourself into the SPX. They show you where to add water to the steam chamber (you'll have to get out of it in order to do so). The thing is actually fairly clever for a steam-powered device. It responds to pressure from your arms and legs to activate the complex hydraulics.
[spoiler]However, the thing is SLOW and not terribly precise. Lifting capacity is superhuman, but at the cost of a bit of clumsiness. Furthermore, small jets of steam continually vent from the thing and it is uncomfortably warm to use. You start to sweat almost immediately. It's heavy enough that you will have trouble budging it if the steam power were to fail for any reason.[/spoiler]
"OKAY!" Shoot-O shouts, getting everyone's attention. "Time to go! We're supposed to be working for a meal, not hanging around like do-nothings! Let's go!"
"Um... Go where?" Spam asks hesitantly.
"You Troubleshooter wannabes all need fresh engram copies! You goofballs get yourselves killed falling down the stairs or something and I don't wanna have to repeat myself over and over. Plus the docbot needs to assess whether you gene-challenged throwbacks are physically fit enough to be Troubleshooters! So we're going to the sickbay at Troubleshooter HQ. That satisfy your curiosity, Recruit? Now MOVE! Line up! Spam-R in front, Blo-R bring up the rear in that contraption!"
ArrMatee snaps to attention, trying to find a spot as exactly in the middle of the line as he can. He continues to look toward Shoot-O-LOT for any visual cues that might suggest that the Orange Citizen would want ArrMatee (and hence the Energy Suppression Grenade) to be otherwise positioned in line.
Keeping morale up as they get in line, Spyd flicks on the PMB.
"Testing... testing..." he tries to find a comfortable volume setting before launching into a computer-approved marching anthem.
Quote from: gdaybloke on July 12, 2007, 04:45:24 PM
Keeping morale up as they get in line, Spyd flicks on the PMB.
"Testing... testing..." he tries to find a comfortable volume setting before launching into a computer-approved marching anthem.
You power on the PMB, set the volume level to about half of maximum and turn on the microphone.
"TESTING... TESTING... SQUEEEEEEE!"The blast of sound causes everyone in the vicinity except Shoot-O to cover their ears. Frantically, you turn off the microphone. The feedback immediately stops, filling the air with blissful silence except for the ringing in your ears.
"Is there a problem?" Shoot-O asks loudly, his brow furrowed in confused irritation. "It works, right?"
ArrMatee quickly decides that it would be a good idea to be firmly behind the Happiness Officer - morally, and physically.
A pained grin is plastered on his face as he feels inside a pocket to pull out a Happiness Energy Bar. "Fortunately, I requisitioned my own source of supplemental Happiness!"
After eating the Happiness Energy Bar, he will carefully tear the wrapper in half, and then loosely wad the two halves into a set of earplugs, which he will then use.
[spoiler]Was Blo close enough to need to cover his ears, as well? Since he's piloting that contraption, any chance that it causes him to stumble & squish any of his fellow troubleshooters? :twisted:[/spoiler]
Quote from: Panther_Gunn on July 13, 2007, 11:40:46 AM
[spoiler]Was Blo close enough to need to cover his ears, as well? Since he's piloting that contraption, any chance that it causes him to stumble & squish any of his fellow troubleshooters? :twisted:[/spoiler]
Blo:[spoiler]If anything, you would have bashed your own head in trying to cover your ears. But I'm feeling merciful today...[/spoiler]
Without further incident, Shoot-O herds the Troubleshooters to sickbay. The sickbay is empty, save for Watch-Y and one docbot. The docbot stands at just below average human height and moves about on three wheels. It has four limbs; two of them are light duty arms with precision-grade manipulators, one has a built in laser scalpel, and the fourth ends in a surgical-grade chainsaw. The robot's photosensors and speaker grille are shaped to resemble a smiling face. A small reflector is mounted on its forehead.
"Mark-S Wellbot?" Shoot-O addresses the docbot. "Here are the new recruits. Check 'em out, will ya?"
"With pleasure, Friend Shoot-O!" The docbot turns to the new recruits. "All right, then, everyone strip down to your undergarments and we will begin. Ah, those above Red clearance excepted, of course."
GM: By the silence, I assume there are no dissenters and that nobody's trying anything cute.
Everyone piles their things in reasonably seperate piles and complies with the docbot's orders. You feel a bit silly standing around in your underwear. Then blush, remembering that you didn't have a chance to change your underwear this morning.
The docbot moves to ArrMatee-R. "Excuse me, Citizen; Are you right-handed or left-handed?"
The docbot repeats the question for Spyd-R, Blo-R, Numb-R, and Spam-R.
GM: Please answer the docbot in this thread. PM me if you're being sneaky in some way. If you do not respond at all, I will assume that you are right-handed and that's what you tell the docbot.
Spyd raises his right hand. "I'm right handed, my good docbot."
"Right-handed, Mark-S Wellbot," responds ArrMatee. He tries very hard not to shudder as he regards the surgical-grade chainsaw on the docbot.
"Right-handed, docbot.", Blo replies. He wonders which section of R&D this 'bot came from.
Spam fixes the docbot with narrowed eyes and asks, "Why?"
Before the docbot can respond, his eyes widen fearfully. "You're going to amputate, aren't you?! Then I won't be able to shoot my laser and then the commies will get me and I haven't been copied yet and my next clone won't know how everyone is plotting against him and then they'll get him and I'll never complete the mission and I'll be executed again for treasonous inefficiency! I'VE FIGURED OUT YOUR EVIL PLAN!" he rants.
In mid-rant, a hypodermic needle pops out of a port on the docbot's side and the docbot jabs Spam with it.
"OW!" Spam cries out. Then his eyelids begin to droop.
"I'm... going to... take a nap..." He slumps to the floor and begins to snore.
"You humans are so excitable," the docbot remarks disapprovingly. "And what about you?" the docbot asks Numb. "You haven't answered my question yet."
Numb-R mumbles something to the effect that he is right handed. The docbot's photosensors brighten in satisfaction.
"Very good! Now it's time for your engram copies."
One after another, you are hooked in to the engram copier. This basically resembles a cross between a dentist chair, an electric chair, and a hair dryer with a dome that goes over your head (like in beauty salons).
There is a brief buzzing sound accompanied by the sensation that flies are flying around inside your skulls and crawling on your brain... unpleasant, but not painful.
When everyone has been copied (Spam is 'helped' into the engram copier and snores loudly the entire time he is being processed), the docbot continues the examination.
"Citizen ArrMatee, please demonstrate that you are able to touch your toes."
While ArrMatee strains to touch his toes, he is bumped by the docbot and falls over.
"Hm," the docbot hums disapprovingly. "Poor sense of balance."
"I can do better, Mark-S Wellbot!" exclaims ArrMatee. "You provide me with incredible motivation to do so!"
If the docbot will let him, ArrMatee will bend over to touch his toes once more, this time being mindful of possibly being jostled.
"He still has his sea legs I see" mumbles Numb asent-mindedly.
"Fine, fine," the docbot says. "Citizen, Blo-R? Would you kindly sit on the examination table? I want to check your reflexes."
*gulp*
"Of course, at once, docbot." Blo will gingerly hop up onto the exam table, sigh resignedly, and brace for impact.
The docbot goes to the counter and pulls open a drawer filled with shiny, sharp-looking implements.
It roots through the drawer a bit, humming pleasantly. Then it pulls out a wicked looking implement that resembles a serrated hatchet.
"I wondered where that got to," the docbot remarks. It replaces the implement in the drawer and finally selects a less-lethal looking rubber mallet. It returns to Blo-R.
"You look tense, Friend Blo. Please relax; this won't hurt."
WHAM!
Blo:
[spoiler]The docbot has struck your knee with considerable force... pain shoots up and down your leg. You have been hit with non-lethal damage, but you passed a Stamina check so you may choose your response.[/spoiler]
Blo winces slightly, and does his best to keep his eyes from either bulging or squeezing shut, stifles a bellow of pain, white-knuckles the edges of the exam table, and kicks his foot up as best he can, to show his reflexes are in working order.
[spoiler]If the kicking foot happens to connect with the docbot and possibly knock him over, I suppose that would be a shame, wouldn't it? ;)[/spoiler]
Blo kicks out and stubs his toe on the docbot. Fortunately, no injury results.
"Hm. Reflexes within tolerance," remarks the docbot. "Citizen Spyd-R, kindly take a deep breath and hold it."
Spyd-R:
You take a deep breath and hold it... and hold it... and hold it... The docbot doesn't seem to be doing anything and isn't telling you to go ahead and breathe again.
[spoiler]Do you try to hold your breath as long as possible without passing out? Or just give up and gasp in some air?[/spoiler]
[spoiler]I'd gasp involuntarilly before passing out anyway[/spoiler]
After going a lovely shade of blue, Spyd cups his hands in front of his mouth and exhales into them. He lowers his arms, but keeps the hands cupped before him.
OOG: Yes, but the question is whether or not Spyd passes out. :)
"Lung capacity marginal," the docbot remarks. "Of course if you were a robot you wouldn't need to breathe, Citizen. But I suppose we can't all be robots, can we?"
The docbot goes back to ArrMatee. It produces a hyponeedle. "Time for your shots!" it chimes cheerily. "Protection against some of those nasty pathogens you humans are subject to. Your right arm, please?"
ArrMatee tries to relax as he extends his right arm. He fails.
On the positve side, he does at least successfully provide his right arm for treatment.
The docbot jabs the needle into ArrMatee's right arm... apparently hitting a nerve, judging from the look of shock and agony that passes over ArrMatee's face.
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]Intense pain is directly followed by numbness of your right elbow and below... you're going to have trouble using that right hand for a while. Off-hand actions will of course be penalized. Feel free to post your reaction to the shot. Have a nice daycycle, Citizen![/spoiler]
ArrMatee lets out a howl of pain under the docbot's tender ministrations. He keeps enough presence of mind to turn a look of pain into a tortured grin, however:
"HOOOOWWWWWWWwwwwwWonderful it is to receive such great care from the (*twitch*) Computer! I no longer feel any pain in my right arm! Oh Happy, (*grimace*) Happy daycycle! Indeed... I no longer feel anything in my right arm!"
"Spyd-R? Your right arm, please?" the docbot says.
(If Spyd-R is doing anything other than full compliance after watching ArrMatee get jabbed, let me know... Otherwise, please post your reaction to getting stabbed in the arm with a needle.)
"But if I hold out my arm, I'll drop this lungful of breathe you asked me to hold!"
Spyd lifts his cupped hands slightly to emphasise the point.
"I don't want to waste good air that the Computer's so lovingly recycled for me!"
The docbot turns its head toward Watch-Y and Shoot-O.
"Well, I don't suppose I can disqualify a Troubleshooter for mental impairment, can I? There wouldn't be anyone left to do the troubleshooting."
It turns back to Spyd-R.
"Fully extend your right arm toward me, please. You may, ah, hold the air in your left hand."
Spyd makes a show of trying to balance two 'handfuls" of air on his left hand
The docbot gives Spyd a shot in the right arm.
Spyd:
[spoiler]The initial pain is just short of excruciating... probably hit a nerve. Then your right arm goes numb. You're going to have trouble using it for awhile. And of course there is a penalty for using the offhand for many tasks...[/spoiler]
The docbot then turns and jabs the unconscious Spam-R, who wakes up screaming.
Spam-R:
[spoiler]You were sleeping, there was a sharp agonizing pain in your right arm, and now you are awake. Your right arm is strangely numb and clumsy-feeling. And there is a docbot at your side.[/spoiler]
I glance over at my arm in a look of shock and horror, then look at the docbot. And I swear, I saw a smirk on that robot mouth of his... even though he doesn't have a mouth, or a throat... But anyways, I look at the docbot in the same look, and try to contain myself. But, as I'm trying to contain myself, I sweat terribly, as thoughts enter my mind about what could possibly be in the needle, which entered my arm. The thought never occured that since I'm right handed, he did something to possibly enhance my right armedness, but instead, thoughts of terror entered my mind. The syringe could have been filled with poison... a type of... numbing poison! That... numbs... but then kills! Or, a type of numbing... paralyiser... In which, it turns out to be numb now, but then I'll never be able move it again. So, instead of freaking out and shouting, I pass out because of all the thoughts and possibilities that entered my very sick and twisted head.
"Oh dear!" says Spyd, as Spam keels over. "The sight of our teammate keeling over like this could negatively impact the happiness of our team..."
Spyd fumbles with his collection of pills, hampered by the numbness in his right hand.
"As morale officer, I'm prescribing one of these to each team member..."
Spyd starts by popping a pill into Spam's mouth, and then holds out a handful of the same pill, approaching each team member and holding out his hand for them to take one, starting with Blo.
[spoiler]Spyd was *trying* to get a handful of Little Black Friends, but considering his limited manual dexterity right now, that's not garaunteed...[/spoiler]
Spyd-R fumbles with various pill bottles, trying to open them and get out the right number of pills.
Unfortunately, he manages to spill the pill bottle, scattering Little Black Friends all over the floor of the infirmary.
"Hmm. Limited manual dexterity," comments the docbot disapprovingly.
* The-hopefully-not-to-become-ironically-named Numb watches the proceeding with a certain amount of discomfort and, although he feels that these ministrations likely be for the best if The Computer thinks so, he finds himself trying to blend in with the background being as inconspicuous as possible so that he might somehow miss this medical procedure. *
[spoiler]Are my fellow troubleshooters bleeding profusely from the injection sites? I hope there's nothing to be "concerned" about. :D[/spoiler]
Quote from: Panther_Gunn on July 25, 2007, 09:00:20 PM
[spoiler]Are my fellow troubleshooters bleeding profusely from the injection sites? I hope there's nothing to be "concerned" about. :D[/spoiler]
No. Of course there is nothing to be concerned about. Everything is perfect. Beta Complex is a utopia. Nothing ever goes wrong. goes wrong. goes wrong. goes...
[SMACK!]
Of course, truly paranoid types will note that:
1) Their team leader is a, um, vigilant individual with, ah, strong opinions about efficiency. Who happens to be well armed and has a lightning fast quick draw.
2) They are being ministered to by a docbot with, er, an unusual 'bedside' manner who seems to have, uh, concerns about human frailty. And which is in the process of administering, shall we say, injections which seem to be causing (ahem!) minor discomfort and, ah, the possible impairment of the dominant hand of every Red-level troubleshooter on the team.
and 3) They are just about to begin the training exercises required by the Computer for peak efficiency and that failure to satisfactorily complete said training exercises will result in, hm, unfortunate disciplinary action for a treasonous level of incompetency.
But of course you are all happy, well-adjusted Citizens without a care in the world other than to serve the Computer faithfully. Or at least you will be, if friend Spyd-R can manage to administer the corrective medication.
ArrMatee shows himself to be a Loyal, Happy, Clean, and Efficient Citizen by helping gather the Little Black Friends. Left-handed, of course. He's doing this slowly and cautiously, so as to avoid knocking things over or bumping into anything.
Operating on the presumption that Spyd-R is also crouching down, trying to retrieve his Little Black Friends, ArrMatee will whisper to him:
Spyd
[spoiler]"Any prescriptions for sudden numbness in my right arm? That would do wonders for my long-term Happiness."[/spoiler]
ArrMatee, Spyd-R doesn't seem to hear you.
Possible hearing damage from the Portable Morale Booster?
Anyway, between the two of you and your left hands, you manage to pick up all of the LBF's and distribute them.
Anyone not taking their medication or doing anything sneaky, speak up now or I'll assume you're medicated.
Meanwhile, the docbot orders both Blo-R and Numb-R to hold out their right arms to get -their- shots.
Assuming I'm still on the ground in utter misery, I start to drool whilst my left leg shalt start a series of twitches. Hopefully, someone will notice me in my little world of hurt, and disaster...
While letting his fellow troubleshooter Numb proceed forward, Blo moves like a whilrwind, as he sees something that demands his attention. "By the Computer, Citizen Spam, you're ...... *drooling* all over yourself! Very untidy." Blo will rotate Spam's head so that it's facing up, and out of that nasty puddle of liquid (while not getting any on himself, of course). He will then proceed to clean the areas on poor, incapacitated Spam that it touched him with "cleaning materials" from his pack. While he's busy cleaning, he notices the slack mouth where the offending material issued from. "Definitely un-hygienic. I'm sure I have *something* that will fix that."
[spoiler]The cleaning materials will be, of course, cleansing powder & scouring pads.[/spoiler]
Rooting around in his pack, he produces a scrubbing brush. Blo loads it up with cleansing agent, stuffs it into that maw of uncleanliness, and begins to scrub vigorously, all the while whistling. (to the tune of "Whistle while you work")
Spam-R,
Yep, someone noticed your drooling.
Hence why Blo-R is vigorously scrubbing you with abrasive scouring pads and industrial-strength cleanser. And decides to start cleaning out your mouth.
By the way, it's quite painful. And tastes really bad. You might want to snap out of it.
Spyd shakes the metaphorical cobwebs from his head.
"Ah, look at that! How happy citizen Blo must be, being able to so actively fulfil his duties!"
The docbot notices Numb-R edging back from the others.
"Excuse me, Friend... Don't you want your protective shot so you don't get ill and infect the rest of the humans in the complex with some terrible disease?"
The docbot stops and considers that a moment.
"On the other hand, I certainly wouldn't wish to cause any harm to a human, and if the shot distresses you so much I'm not sure I could bring myself to administer it."
"Just give him the shot," Shoot-O growls impatiently. "I'm not training a diseased clone. If he gets the rest of the complex sick someone will blame me for it."
I wake out of my gazing snooze, only to awake to more pain... but in my mouth. Also, getting rubbed by scouring pads feels very... strange, but uncomfortable and mildly hurtful.. I get up off the floor (which was cleaned very nicely, if I do say so meself), and start to have a tantrum, screaming things that might be unintelligable, as my throat is burning like crap. I try to find anything with water in it so I can wash out my mouth...
[spoiler]and also something that I can take my revenge on.[/spoiler]
Spam-R,
You're in the infirmary, so there is a sink with a faucet on hand.
"This human seems to be having a psychological breakdown," the docbot comments. "Perhaps a neurosis about being clean? Maybe I should sedate it..."
Quote from: BlueBard on July 28, 2007, 03:47:22 PM
The docbot notices Numb-R edging back from the others.
"Excuse me, Friend... Don't you want your protective shot so you don't get ill and infect the rest of the humans in the complex with some terrible disease?"
The docbot stops and considers that a moment.
"On the other hand, I certainly wouldn't wish to cause any harm to a human, and if the shot distresses you so much I'm not sure I could bring myself to administer it."
"Just give him the shot," Shoot-O growls impatiently. "I'm not training a diseased clone. If he gets the rest of the complex sick someone will blame me for it."
"I- Indeed" stutters Numb at this. "I wouldn't want to be the cause of any illness among my fellow citizens. I am... happy... to take one for the greater good" he continues unconvincingly.
Temporarily distracted from sedating Spam-R, the docbot gives Numb-R the necessary injection.
Numb-R's eyes roll back in his head and he slumps to the floor, unconscious.
"Oops," the docbot says. "It would appear I got my injections mixed up. Oh well, he looked like he could use the rest anyway. I'll give him a stimulant to wake him up when you're ready to leave the infirmary."
The docbot then proceeds to give Numb-R the inoculation in his right arm.
"Your turn now, friend Blo-R!" the docbot chirps cheerily.
Actually, just to speed things up a bit, I'm going to assume that Blo-R gets his injection too.
So, each of you now has a numb, tingly sensation in your right arm and your manual dexterity is temporarily impaired.
You are all also feeling strangely optimistic about it (the LBF's starting to take effect now).
Numb-R is given yet another shot to wake him up and you are all ordered to get dressed.
Any final monkey business before you all leave the infirmary?
Quote from: BlueBard on July 30, 2007, 11:07:59 AM
Numb-R is given yet another shot to wake him up and you are all ordered to get dressed.
Any final monkey business before you all leave the infirmary?
"Er... yes, one last thing" pipes up Numb, "This might seem like a... strange... thing to say but I couldn't help but notice from the pain that I appear to have been given two shots there."
Numb remains silent for a moment, waiting for the import of this announcement to sink in with the others. Eventually, the lack of response force him to continue...
"I was er... how can I put this? I was wondering whether it would be possible, as a favour, to... you know... give me one last shot for the road doc? Please?"
Quote from: The Phantom Eyebrow on July 30, 2007, 11:18:06 AM
Quote from: BlueBard on July 30, 2007, 11:07:59 AM
Numb-R is given yet another shot to wake him up and you are all ordered to get dressed.
Any final monkey business before you all leave the infirmary?
"Er... yes, one last thing" pipes up Numb, "This might seem like a... strange... thing to say but I couldn't help but notice from the pain that I appear to have been given two shots there."
Numb remains silent for a moment, waiting for the import of this announcement to sink in with the others. Eventually, the lack of response force him to continue...
"I was er... how can I put this? I was wondering whether it would be possible, as a favour, to... you know... give me one last shot for the road doc? Please?"
"Certainly," the Docbot replies agreeably. "What sort of shot do you want?"
OOG: For the record, Numb has gotten THREE shots so far. One sedative by accident, one inoculation like everyone else got, and a third shot to wake him up after the sedative. On top of that, he's taken the Little Black Friend pill given by Spyd-R the Happiness Officer to improve his mood.
ArrMatee is getting dressed as best he can, which is pretty hard when one of your arms is numb from the elbow down. He occasionally tries to massage feeling back into his arm.
"Mark-S-Wellbot?" he inquires. "I would like your advice on a hypothetical situation. If, in the course of a Troubleshooting mission, one of my arms were to suddenly become numb and unresponsive, what treatment would you recommend in the field to counteract such a problem? Parameters for this scenario are that I would not have access to a docbot, and could only rely on the assistance of my fellow Troubleshooters for treatment."
Quote from: Viking on July 30, 2007, 12:23:44 PM
ArrMatee is getting dressed as best he can, which is pretty hard when one of your arms is numb from the elbow down. He occasionally tries to massage feeling back into his arm.
"Mark-S-Wellbot?" he inquires. "I would like your advice on a hypothetical situation. If, in the course of a Troubleshooting mission, one of my arms were to suddenly become numb and unresponsive, what treatment would you recommend in the field to counteract such a problem? Parameters for this scenario are that I would not have access to a docbot, and could only rely on the assistance of my fellow Troubleshooters for treatment."
"I would certainly recommend cybernetic replacement in advance. Meat... I mean, organic limbs can be so undependable. Wouldn't you agree? I could start now if you'd like," it offers, raising its surgical chainsaw.
ArrMatee hastily responds in the negative.
"NO! Arr.... Thank ye, but no. 'Twas a hypothetical scenario only, and our Team Leader wouldn't like it if I held up the mission by requestin' cybarrrnetic replacements."
"In that same spirit I feel I have had quite enough shots now, thank you very kindly Doc!"
After getting re-dressed and strapping on all his gear, Blo prepares to take up his rear guard position once more, only to remember he's been slightly lacking in manners. Turning around, Blo addresses the docbot, "Mark-S-Wellbot, thank you for so thoroughly looking after our health & well-being, all in the further glorious service to the Computer." He reflexively extends his hand to shake....well, whatever passes for a hand on a docbot......only to realize too late that he's still strapped into the experimental exo-skeleton, with a less-than-fully resposive arm.
"*oops*. I think I can fix that."
I try to get dressed as fastly as I clonely possibly can. I can only think about my rude awaking, and the still very painful and throbbing hurt in my throat. I feel like I can't talk, so I don't try. Also, my whole body is soar from those pads that were used to rubdown my entire body... Those things hurt! I grab my gear, and get ready for whatever is ahead of us... And also, that ceiling is looking very suspicious... I wonder if it and the floor are out to get me... Maybe they'll collapse when I don't suspect it. Those little tiles they spread out on the floor... those could actually turn into some sort of laser trap when I least suspect it, capturing me, putting me down under, wherever is under the floor! I try to leave the infirmary very fast and worried, hoping the floor won't kill me...
The heavy arm of the steam-powered exoskeleton lashes out, striking the docbot and knocking it over.
With a gasp of surprise and horror, all of you see the docbot's head bent at a peculiar angle.
"Oh {skiirrkkk!} my. I see-see-seem to b-b-b-be dam-dam-damaagggg..."
"What a wonderful opportunity for the complex's robo-mechanics to exercise their skills!", says Spyd as he backs toward the exit
ArrMatee is agape at the docbot's disfigurement. He is also quite eager to leave, but is even more concerned about the reaction of the Team Leader.
Shoot-O and Watch-Y haven't quite gotten over the shock of it just yet... Shoot-O's jaw dropped, but it looks like he's about to regain motor control any second now...
"AAAHHHH!"
Whoops, he just did.
ArrMatee makes darn sure that he is behind Citizen Blo - specifically, not in any line of fire that Shoot-O or Watch-Y may have on him. This has the added advantage of not being in immediate range of Blo punching forward with a "friendly handshake."
How strange that I feel so optimistic about everything in this situation! he muses. Those Little Infrared Friends really do work wonders!
Indeed - were it not for this wonderful chemically-induced Happiness that I am feeling, I would probably be running and shrieking in terror, instead of calmly doing this...
Everybody except Blo
[spoiler]ArrMatee draws his laser pistol, and is taking slow and careful aim at Blo's head from behind. His right arm may be numb and unresponsive, but it can help steady the pistol. He is not firing yet - He is lining up a clear shot, to help mitigate the difficulties involved in shooting with his off hand.[/spoiler]
GM: A number of things are probably going to happen very, very quickly and all at once. Everybody declare your actions in a spoiler and I will resolve them. Please do not make any assumptions that anything you're doing is successful or in any particular order. Just tell me what you -intend- to do.
(Good call on the use of spoilers, BTW... I should have thought of that myself)
GM:
[spoiler]Since I don't know where everyone is, and since I'm not entirely sure I'm watching what's going on, I turn around to see what everyone else is doing. I then will hopefully see ArrMatee holding a lser pistol and pointing it at our fearless leader... Unfortunately, being the worried freak I am, I'll probably yell out "WATCH OUT!" or something to that extent, and dive for the nearest cover I can, while drawing my own pistol.[/spoiler]
GM:
[spoiler]Spyd's trying to back out of the room, or failing that, behind cover[/spoiler]
GM:
[spoiler]My intended next action is to say, "Citizens Shoot-O-LOT and Watch-Y-BAK, what are your orders?" After that, my intended action is to react accordingly. If told to stand down, I do so. If they indicate I should shoot, I do so. (Of course, I realize that nobody has yet indicated whether they've actually loaded their laser pistol, let alone with which laser barrel... I recognize that it is the Evil GM's discretion to decide what the status of my own laser pistol is.)[/spoiler]
GM:
[spoiler]I intend to back away so that I am not within the quadrilateral formed by Blo, ArMatee, and the two leaders and gently reprimand Blo for such clumsy behaviour, misuse of and damage to valuable Computer property. However, I will be keeping an eye on the two leaders to try ensure that my words are going down well with them. If I see that they are more concerned with ArMatee I will instead try to calmly ask him to put the gun down, we're all friends here, and all that.[/spoiler]
GM:
[spoiler]Taking a hint from Shoot-O's reaction, he probably *doesn't* want me to attempt to repair the damage. In his most officious, boot-licking tone of voice, he will announce: "Right, getting back into line now, Citizen Shoot-O!" Blo will then turn back around speedily, doing his best to focus on that task alone, eyes straight ahead, as any good little recruit should. Whether the numbed arm, and it's attendant exo-skeleton, takes anyone else out along the way, remains to be seen.[/spoiler]
"Right, getting back into line now..." Blo-R begins saying as he turns around. He stops short as he sees ArrMatee-R pointing a laser pistol at his head.
"Citizens Shoot--" ArrMatee begins to say.
"WATCH OUT!" screams Spam-R as he dives for cover, drawing his own laser pistol. Spyd-R also dives for cover, while Numb-R backs away slowly.
Shoot-O's weapon is drawn with lightning speed, so fast the weapon almost seems to appear in his hand out of thin air. He hesitates, apparently undecided as to who to shoot first.
Now what is everyone doing?
From cover, Spyd whips out his multicorder to record the computer's glorious agents in action.
If I get shot at, I start shooting like a madman from behind my cover. If I see anybody else get shot, I'll start shooting like a madman. If anybody comes near me, I'll start shooting like a madman...
"Alright! Now no-nobodies go-goiing to sho-oo-shoot anybody, m-m-m-mkay? Just... if you d-do, make sure to le-le-leave me out of whatever you guys are doing!" I say, stammering like a wimp.
[spoiler]Of course, since I have my finger on the trigger, and since I'm aiming in the general direction of a few people, I sure as hope my blaster doesn't go off...[/spoiler]
Quote from: gdaybloke on August 04, 2007, 09:43:31 AM
From cover, Spyd whips out his multicorder to record the computer's glorious agents in action.
If you're capturing any particular actions or subjects, be sure to post what you're recording (or at least put it in a spoiler). That way you'll have much better luck when it comes time for, uh, post-production editing. You won't get everything, but certain camera angles will be better than others.
Well, since the attempt at a longer sentence didn't work, ArrMatee shortens it dramatically, and increases the volume by shouting clearly:
"ORDERS, LEADER?"
[spoiler]I'm also staying out of range of a punch from Citizen Blo. If he moves towards me at all, I will presume that he is volunteering for immediate termination, and oblige him. By firing into his face.[/spoiler]
Looking down at ArrMatee, with a confused look on his face: "Citizen ArrMatee, why do you have your pistol out? Surely you don't think I did that on purpose. These sort of little mishaps happen now & again in R&D, all in our glorious service to the all-knowing Computer. Nothing to get excited about. But, then again, you *are* from an inferior Service Group, aren't you? I suppose you just can't help yourself. However, I'm sure that with a little more field-testing, the fine motor control on this unit will be perfectly adjusted, and we definitely won't be seeing any more problems like this." :D
Shoot-O seems to have made a decision.
His pistol points directly at ArrMatee.
"STAND DOWN, RECRUIT! OR HAS THAT ADDLED BRAIN OF YOURS FORGOT WHAT MAKES THE STEAM IN THAT THING? IF I WANT HIM SHOT, I'LL DO IT MYSELF!"
ArrMatee lowers his pistol, and salutes. Or, at least, attempts an approximation thereof. His right forearm still being numb, he actually slaps himself in the face.
"Standing down, as ordered, Citizen Shoot-O-LOT! Shall I commence repairs on the Mark-S-Wellbot, Citizen Shoot-O-LOT?"
[spoiler]I think I'll pay particular attention to Blo, for this segment of the Glorious Computer's Troubleshooter Action Docudrama[/spoiler]
The docbot is currently flailing around on the floor trying to right itself.
"{squirk} I I I am innnnnooooo need of re-repair, thank thank you. Come again. Mary had a little lamb."
ArrMatee's hand still hangs limply against his forehead, maintaining his best approximation of a salute to Shoot-O-LOT. His commentary addresses Mark-S-Wellbot, however.
"Thank you for your vote of confidence, Mark-S-Wellbot!" he exclaims with a smile. "Indeed, after I'm done with basic repairs, I don't expect that you shall need re-repairs at all! Trust in Troubleshooters-In-Program-Training to get things done right the first time! Current performance made possible by medication administered by Happiness Officer Spyd-IR-MAN, and docbots like you!"
"N-no nee-need to trouble trouble trouble {skwwirrk!} yourself. One plus two is five."
The docbot waves its' surgical chainsaw in ArrMatee's direction.
Meanwhile, Shoot-O is scolding Blo-R.
"That's five demerits, recruit! And don't think the fine for damaging that bot is coming out of my cred, either!"
A look of extreme concern and consternation clouds Blo's face. *gulp*! "Citizen Shoot-O, could I possibly earn some of those demerits back (and possibly lower the amount of credits due) if I am able to fix the docbot? I may not be skilled in 'bot repair, but I *am* rather handy with a soldering iron & set of screwdrivers."
ArrMatee knows better than to interrupt Shoot-O-LOT when angry. Which is to say, all the time. He slowly and carefully takes this moment to re-holster his laser pistol. If Shoot-O-LOT wants the Troubleshooting team to attempt repair of the bot, he will most certainly say so.
ArrMatee also favors Watch-Y with his rather limp salute, noting that the highest clearance Citizen has been awfully quiet throughout all of this.
[spoiler]Any hint as to how Watch-Y seems to be reacting to all this?[/spoiler]
Blo-R:
Shoot-O glares at you and says, "You think any dipwad with a screwdriver can fix a bot? Especially one waving around a chainsaw? I'd let you try it, but this here is supposed to be a NON-LETHAL training exercise. Speaking of which, get your hiney out of that exoskeleton. I'll let someone else with half a brain do the testing!"
ArrMatee-R:
[spoiler]Watch-Y was initially alarmed, but right now you'd call his expression 'cold and calculating'.[/spoiler]
"Of course, Citizen Shoot-O. Disembarking exo-skeleton at once! A very wise decision on your part, I must say. This makes it easier for me to be able to quickly keep our team squeaky clean. Your obvious leadership skills shine through, proving once again that the Computer knows exactly what it's doing! Which place in line shall I take now, Citizen Shoot-O?" :D
"Next to last!" Shoot-O barks. "Numb-R! You are now the Steam-Powered Exoskeleton Field Tester! Get in!"
"Fr-Froggy went a courtin' an-an-and he did ride, uh-huh," comments the docbot.
Spyd clicks off the multicorder for now, and examines the controls on his PMB.
"This seems like a great opportunity to sing a rousing anthem in honour of the computer."
Spyd ponders the controls looking for a volume knob before turning it on.
ArrMatee instinctively checks his earplugs at Spyd's suggestion.
Quote from: gdaybloke on August 07, 2007, 07:44:46 AM
Spyd clicks off the multicorder for now, and examines the controls on his PMB.
"This seems like a great opportunity to sing a rousing anthem in honour of the computer."
Spyd ponders the controls looking for a volume knob before turning it on.
There is only one knob. You think that might be the volume control. No markings to figure out where low or loud are. You can turn it all the way counter-clockwise, or all the way clockwise. When you got it, it seemed to be set at all the way counter-clockwise.
ArrMatee, was that the candy-bar wrapper earplugs or the candy-bar earplugs? Just making sure. I'm assuming the wrappers, or your hearing would be greatly impaired.
"Well", muses Spyd, "Last time we warmed the hearts of clones at least three sectors away... let's make this a more personal affair."
He turns the dial all the way clockwise.
ArrMatee still has the candy-bar-wrapper earplugs. However, checking them gives him an excuse to have his hands by his ears... just in case.
Spyd-R turns the dial all the way clockwise, sets a musical selection, and presses the 'Play' button.
DA-DA! DA-DUM-BA-DA-DUM-DA! DUM-BA-DUM-BA-DAAAA!!!
Unfortunately, this appears to be maximum volume, not minimum volume. It is much, MUCH louder than before. The sensation is not far off from having someone pound nails into your eardrums with a rubber mallet. All of you collapse to the floor and clasp your hands over your ears in a vain attempt to shut out the horrendously booming music. Shoot-O remains standing with a grimace on his face. He's saying something, but you can't make it out.
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]The makeshift earplugs MIGHT prevent permanent hearing loss, but they don't do much to protect your ears.[/spoiler]
What does each of you try to do now?
Spyd's eyes glaze over for a second before he jabs the stop button.
"Well, I bet everyone's forgotten about any unpleasantness with the docbot now! Another job well done!"
Well, that's what people would hear, if they could.
With that, trying not to sweat too evidently, Spyd forces a smile, spins on his heel, and begins to march from the room.
* Numb spasms involuntarily at the savage sonic assault. Conscious of the fact that he is now strapped into a big honking exo-skeleton, he tries his damnedest NOT to put his hands to his ears *
His ears ringing, ArrMatee twitches a couple of times before getting up off of the ground.
His sense of volume temporarily shot, ArrMatee shouts out a question:
"ARRR!!! SORRY, CITIZEN SHOOT-LOT, I COULDN'T HEAR YE OVER T'MUSIC'S ROAR! WHAT WERE YER ORDERS, SIR?"
He follows this up with another limp salute as he moves to his position in line.
First, the good news:
Spyd-R passed the Chutzpah check allowing him to remove his hands from his ears long enough to turn off the PMB.
Now the bad news:
Everyone's ears are ringing so badly that you can't hear anything softer than a shout.
And the worse news:
Numb-R failed his check and was NOT able to keep himself from clapping his hands to his ears. He has managed to knock himself out. (Fortunately for him, the exoskeleton doesn't include gauntlets or he might have crushed his own skull). He crashes to the floor.
Shoot-O is shouting, but you can barely hear him.
"Okay, that was a little loud. Can't you pansies take a little noise, though?" He looks down at Numb-R. "Now what am I gonna do with this one?"
The docbot (still laying down on the floor) waves it's chainsaw and says something.
Shoot-O rubs his forehead as though he has a headache. The docbot says something else.
"No!" Shoot-O shouts, shaking his head emphatically. He turns to Arr-Matee. "Your turn in the exoskeleton! Get Numb-R out of there and carry him till he wakes up!"
In the interest of moving things speedily along (and perhaps a little bit of bootlicking), Blo will assist ArrMatee with getting Numb out of the exoskeleton, and getting him (ArrMatee) into it, as well as a quick lesson on what does what.
While still behind cover for some reason, even after the firefight that never happened, I suppose I should get out of cover, and hopefully, get that ringing noise out of my ears... But wait... This ringing noise hurts... It tingles and gives a burning sensation that is unstandable... I take my holstered pistol, take it to my head, and yell...
"THIS HURTS!!!"
I then proceed to pull the trigger, hoping my earache will go away...
Quote from: Spam on August 08, 2007, 08:15:47 PM
While still behind cover for some reason, even after the firefight that never happened, I suppose I should get out of cover, and hopefully, get that ringing noise out of my ears... But wait... This ringing noise hurts... It tingles and gives a burning sensation that is unstandable... I take my holstered pistol, take it to my head, and yell...
"THIS HURTS!!!"
I then proceed to pull the trigger, hoping my earache will go away...
Nothing seems to happen.
Spam:
[spoiler]Apparently, you have a training laser barrel attached instead of a 'live' laser barrel. It was a 50/50 chance and you got 'lucky'.[/spoiler]
ArrMatee, do you allow Blo to assist you?
ArrMatee's attention was drawn by the complaint of "THIS HURTS!" from Spam. Having seen Spam holding a laser pistol to his head, pulling the trigger, and having no effect, this prompts an alarmed response from ArrMatee in his role as Equipment Guy, and he stops short of climbing into the steam-powered exoskeleton.
"PERMISSION REQUESTED TO RUN AN EQUIPMENT CHECK, TEAM LEADER!" he shouts out. "SPAM'S LASER AND TRAINING HARNESS MAY BE MALFUNCTIONING!"
Quote from: Viking on August 08, 2007, 09:19:40 PM
ArrMatee's attention was drawn by the complaint of "THIS HURTS!" from Spam. Having seen Spam holding a laser pistol to his head, pulling the trigger, and having no effect, this prompts an alarmed response from ArrMatee in his role as Equipment Guy, and he stops short of climbing into the steam-powered exoskeleton.
"PERMISSION REQUESTED TO RUN AN EQUIPMENT CHECK, TEAM LEADER!" he shouts out. "SPAM'S LASER AND TRAINING HARNESS MAY BE MALFUNCTIONING!"
Shoot-O grimaces and impatiently waves you over to check on Spam-R.
ArrMatee proceeds to check on Spam's laser pistol and training harness as best as he is able. When Spam pulled the trigger, ArrMatee would have expected one of two things:
1) Spam would have ventilated his head with a laser beam; or
2) Spam would have gone into spasms of shock from the training harness.
ArrMatee checks first to see whether the laser pistol is properly loaded, and then whether the training harness is properly hooked up and wired together.
By way of reassurance to Spam, he helpfully calls out, "DON'T WORRY, SPAM! THIS SHOULD HELP MAKE THE HURTING STOP!"
Well, the training harness doesn't cover his head and certainly not his ear.
A training laser just shoots a beam of intense, but non-lethal, light. That wouldn't hurt him.
So the real question is, which type of barrel does he have on his pistol? The barrels are absolutely identical; you'd have to fire it to find out. All you can tell at the moment is that one charge has been used on Spam's barrel.
You can check out his harness if you like, though.
After nothing happening, I almost have a mental breakdown. Having ArMatee come over and do something with my equipment... I feel a bit estranged by, and start to cry...
[spoiler]Of course, if my blaster won't work, I'll pickpocket ArMatee's and point his, whcih I currently acquired, at my head to try again..[/spoiler]
I'll check the training harness to be certain that nothing's been tampered with. However, seeing Spam burst into tears, and being rather certain that Spam has passed well beyond the point of mental breakdown, ArrMatee will be cautious for any sudden moves. He'll also call out:
"HAPPINESS OFFICER! CITIZEN SPAM IS IN DIRE NEED OF YOUR ASSISTANCE!"
ArrMatee,
Spam-R lunges for your laser pistol. How do you react?
Assuming that the current crisis has taken Shoot-O's immediate attention away from the PMB assault, Spyd grabs the first two bottles of pills he can lay his hands on, scans both quickly in the hope that one of them will do the job, and steps quickly to the side of Armatee and Spam.
"One of these should do the trick! Er..."
ArrMatee's reaction is to keep his good hand (i.e., his left one) firmly on the handle of the laser pistol. He will then try to shoulder into Spam to knock him off balance and to the floor, with any luck, so that his medicine can be administered.
Spam-R successfully wrests ArrMatee's laser pistol away from ArrMatee, jams the barrel against his head and pulls the trigger...
And apparently ArrMatee had a live laser barrel attached. Spam-R drops to the floor with a smoking hole in his head. Ewwww.
What is everyone else doing?
"Happy happy happy!"
(oh crap oh crap oh crap)
"Um... All praise the computer! Clearly this clone was a traitorous insurgent, and after witnessing the glory of the Troubleshooters under the tutelage of the esteemed Shoot-O, he realised the error of his ways, could not live with the shame of being a traitor, and thus shot himself in an effort to ensure that the rest of the team didn't have to do anything so inefficient as wasting their own charges! Yes! That's it!
"Now, I'll just take this smoking weapon and secure it, lest it fall into another traitor's hands..."
Spyd reaches to take the gun from Spam-R's unresisting hands.
Watch-Y radios in to HQ: "Ve need another Spam-R from clone storage, ya? Schnell!"
Spam-R:
[spoiler]You awaken from cryosleep, having just been impressed with an engram transfer. Your last memory is of getting jabbed with a needle by a docbot.
The Red level technician disconnects you and says, "There you go, Citizen. Report to your team leader. Have a nice lifecycle!"
You have no gear except a red jumpsuit; everything else is apparently still with your (ulp!) previous clone.[/spoiler]
I ask the technician where I'm supposed to head off to, and take my memory of the docbot with me... I think I remember the jabbing motion he gave me in my memory, but yet I don't feel anything...
When I arrive, I look at my former clone and take anything of importance. I then say to everyone around...
"Happy daycycle all! May we all serve the computer for all It's glory and wonderfulness!"
[spoiler]How much of a mess did Spam make shooting himself in the head? Was it a clean burn, instantly cauterized, or is there fluid & such spattered & leaking all over?[/spoiler]
Quote from: Spam on August 14, 2007, 10:53:54 AM
I ask the technician where I'm supposed to head off to, and take my memory of the docbot with me... I think I remember the jabbing motion he gave me in my memory, but yet I don't feel anything...
When I arrive, I look at my former clone and take anything of importance. I then say to everyone around...
"Happy daycycle all! May we all serve the computer for all It's glory and wonderfulness!"
It's going to take you a little while to rejoin the team; you aren't there just yet.
Quote from: Panther_Gunn on August 14, 2007, 11:22:13 AM
[spoiler]How much of a mess did Spam make shooting himself in the head? Was it a clean burn, instantly cauterized, or is there fluid & such spattered & leaking all over?[/spoiler]
Blo-R:
The Computer likes lasers because they're very neat that way.
ArrMatee objects to Spyd reaching for his laser pistol.
"Arrrr!!!! That there be my laser pistol, Citizen Spyd! Condemn the traitor, but not the tool!"
ArrMatee emphatically reaches forward to retrieve his laser pistol.
ArrMatee and Spyd wind up wrestling over the laser pistol; neither is able to wrest it from the other's grasp and, fortunately, nobody accidently fires it which might be very, very bad.
Someone want to yield? Or do we enter the realm of dirty tricks?
If Spyd doesn't yield, then ArrMatee calls out:
"TEAM LEADER! SPYD'S TRYIN' TO STEAL MY LASER PISTOL AND HOLD UP THE MISSION!"
Shoot-O shoots a dirty look at Watch-Y.
"Believe me, I'm not going to forget who assigned these, these -civilians- to me. I'd have had better luck taking juniors out of the creche than with this bunch."
Shoot-O strides forward.
"AWRIGHT, BREAK IT UP!" he bellows. "The next dipweed that interferes with the completion of this training mission is gonna be REAL sorry! Understand?"
Presuming that Shoot-O's intervention allows him to get his laser back, ArrMatee will hastily scramble to get into the steam-powered exoskeleton.
Spyd graciously offers to compose an impromptu sonnet in honour of Shoot-O's strong leadership, and flicks on the PMB in preparation...
* At this point Numb awakens from his self-induced slumber. Staggering only slightly as he gets to his feet. *
"I do apologise", he says to Shoot-O, "if my temporary unconsciousness in any way interfered with the training mission. However, I do hope that the lessons learned from my accident will be incorporated by the lab boys in QA when building new and improved generations of machines; for the greater glory of the Computer."
Seeing Spyd messing with the controls of the PMB, Blo sprints about 10' behind where the exoskeleton is standing, and does a duck & cover (with his hands covering his ears). If he's lucky, there'll also be some large furniture inbetween them, as well, to help break up the sound waves.
OOC: Kind of waiting on Spyd... I don't know that he's surrendered the laser pistol and I don't know what he intends to do with the PMB.
OOC: Kind of waiting for Shoot-O to say whether he'll accept my offer to compose an impromptu anthem
OOC: Is Spyd's decision of whether or not to surrender ArrMatee's laser pistol back to him contingent on Shoot-O accepting the impromptu anthem? Right now, our Game Master seems to feel that both Spyd and ArrMatee are still grappling with one another over the laser pistol.
OOC: SPyd relinquished control of the gun to turn on the PMB
Quote from: gdaybloke on August 17, 2007, 08:00:01 AM
OOC: SPyd relinquished control of the gun to turn on the PMB
Okay, by 'turn on', I assume you mean the same barrage of sound as before? At what volume setting? Or are you experimenting with some of the other 'features'?
I guess I'll just keep on running down hallways until I find my way back to everyone else.
Spam-R, you are in the transtube headed for DTH sector.
Everyone else,
(I am assuming from previous posts that the PMB is on, but no music has been selected as of yet.)
Shoot-O glares at Spyd-R, gritting his teeth. "Of course. There is always time for a patriotic anthem in honor of the Computer, isn't there? Gosh, that couldn't possibly waste our limited time, now could it? Do continue, Troubleshooter. Make it good."
Quote from: BlueBard on August 20, 2007, 12:44:03 PM
Spam-R, you are in the transtube headed for DTH sector.
Everyone else,
(I am assuming from previous posts that the PMB is on, but no music has been selected as of yet.)
Shoot-O glares at Spyd-R, gritting his teeth. "Of course. There is always time for a patriotic anthem in honor of the Computer, isn't there? Gosh, that couldn't possibly waste our limited time, now could it? Do continue, Troubleshooter. Make it good."
"
WELL???"
Shoot-O is awaiting Spyd-R's response... and none too patiently, either. His hands are hovering near his holstered weapons. Watch-Y has a look of malicious glee on his face.
[OOC: To the tune of "And the band played Walltzing Matilda"]
"When I was a young man I carried a mop
And I cleaned up the complex's corridors
Such was my 'puter-designated lot
A black uniformed infrared dork
Then in one glorious moment the light finally shone
I was handed an upgrade, no longer a drone
No reflec, but now I can defend my home
As a red clearance troubleshooter clone
And the computer tends to all my needs
And I serve with some valiant troops
Shoot-O sends us forth
With good training of course
To smite traitors, commies, and mutes."
Spyd smiles nervously at Shoot-O.
"Another verse, Shoot-O? Or would you prefer I save it for later, so that I can perfect it to properly showcase the glory of the computer?"
* Numb suddenly feels a strange hankering for barbequed shrimps and bottle of VB. And he doesn't even know what they are! *
Shoot-O stares at Spyd-R a moment.
"Um, yeah. Good song. That's good for now. You can do the next verse later."
Watch-Y's curiously evil grin falls into an inexplicable grimace of disappointment. You're not quite sure why, but you get the feeling that he was hoping Spyd-R would get shot.
"Okay, then, we're out of here," Shoot-O declares. "You recruits need toughened up, and I'm the guy to do it! I've got a gym reserved..."
"I am afraid not," Watch-Y interrupts with a smug look on his face. "Ze gym vas needed for a Happiness Enforcement Rally. I haff made ozzer arrangements." He hands Shoot-O a piece of paper.
Shoot-O reads the paper, his face getting redder and redder as he does. He crumples the paper and shoves it into a pocket of his jumpsuit.
"O-Kay. Recruits, as Troubleshooters you need to learn to adapt to changing situations. So, we make the best of it."
Just then, Spam-R shows up.
"Just in time, Recruit! Everybody to Stairwell DTH-M4RCH, on the double! GO! GO! GO!"
The group scrambles to gather up their things, Spam-R hastily looting his predecessor's body, then you take off at a run.
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]You're having trouble with the actuators in the exoskeleton's right arm. It is extremely difficult to lift that arm and it's throwing off your stride. One look at Shoot-O suggests now is not the time to stop and fix it.[/spoiler]
(*gathers up things, takes off at a run - has no idea where he's going, so follows whoever the first person out the door is*)
ArrMatee probably ends up bringing up the rear, given that the exoskeleton is as slow-moving as it is.
"GO! GO! GO! OUT! OUT!" Shoot-O screams.
ArrMatee trundles along as fast as he can in the exoskeleton, straining to move the defective right arm.
"MOVING DOUBLE-TIME, SHOOT-O!" he heartily calls out.
Meanwhile, he frees his left hand from the exoskeleton. Since Shoot-O-LOT's red complexion suggests strongly against requesting additional time to repair the exoskeleton, it's clearly necessary to make time by performing repairs while on the go. It's not his best hand, but since his best hand is still numb from the docbot's treatment...
"Adapting to changing situations!" he sings out cheerily, in a bad approximation of Spyd's previous anthem. "Sucking it up and making the best of it!"
I hastily make my way with the pack, hoping not to get lost... I'll try and secure everything I swiped from my former body, but will also try and keep up a steady pace so I won't get lost, and or away from the rest of the group.
For the sake of moving things along...
Spam-R is first out the door, followed closely by Blo-R, who is in turn followed by Spyd-R, then Numb-R. Shoot-O and Watch-Y follow them out and ArrMatee-R brings up the rear.
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]Unfortunately, you don't have sufficient time to fix the exoskeleton. You are able to determine that two of the actuators are jammed, but you'll need a couple of minutes with some real tools to fix it.[/spoiler]
The group soon finds themselves at the bottom of a steep stairwell. Looking up, you see there are three landings above. The stairs are narrow; you could go two abreast but it would be a tight squeeze. Except for ArrMatee, wearing the exoskeleton; He would take up the entire breadth of the stairs.
"All right, recruits, here's the drill," scowls Shoot-O. "You go up the stairs, then back down. You go up three times and wind up right back here. And no dawdling! I'm gonna meet you at the top and follow you back down, so no funny stuff! Watch-Y-BAK will be right up at the top observing."
Shoot-O pauses.
"WELL? YOU WAITING FOR AN ENGRAVED INVITATION? MOVE!!!"
GM: Y'all will have to sort out for yourselves what the marching order is...
ArrMatee makes the following observation to his fellow Troubleshooters:
"Arr! I should prob'ly be th' last one t' go up these stairs. That way, if I slip 'n fall, I won't go crashin' into th' lot of ye!"
If this fails to prompt the rest of the Troubleshooters to hop to it and start up the stairs first, however, ArrMatee will begin trundling up them, comforted by the knowledge that the other Troubleshooters have volunteered to serve as a safety cushion.
GM:
[spoiler]Waste not, want not - I'm going to continue working on unjamming the actuators using my free, left hand. Since I've got a tool belt with my tools, they shouldn't be too hard to reach. I'm taking as much time as I need to fix it, while continuing to move.[/spoiler]
I just carefully observe if anybody is going to jump in first... I can't decide if I should go first, or if I should wait for somebody else... But why am I sweating bullets trying to make this decision? Ugh, now I'm getting a headache... everything... everyone's out to get me because I can't make this decision! Yes, that must be it! Because I'm not going first, everyone will force me to go first! I get it now...
"Well, THAT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!" I yell.
"I see all your little schemes, and tricks. And ya know what, I ain't going first. So what are you going to do about that, huh? HUH!?"
After saying that, I cross my arms, and wait for whoever bravely decides to go first...
"For shame, Troubleshooter SPAM, where's your Computer Spirit? Let's see some enthusiasm! Come on, last one to the top has to help me test the volume limits on the PMB!"
Spyd starts up the stairs.
"Well done Spyd. Our group is served well by your selfless er... service"
* Numb leaves the brave troubleshooter to it as he attempts to obtain a nice central postion in the middle of the group. *
"Hrm..." mutters Spyd as he works his way up the stairs...
"There once was a clone from this sector
Who determined a coefficient vector
This good loyal citizen
Kicked his crechemate's teeth in
When he said 'I'm a commie defector!'"
...
...
"No", mused Spyd. "That was crap."
Hokay, Spyd-R is making his way up the steps. Who else is going ahead of ArrMatee-R? Speak now or be squished later.
I absolutely MUST have the marching order before we can proceed. I will leave it to your imaginations as to what dire purpose requires this. I will allow 24 hours to respond; after that let the algae chips fall where they may.
To save a little time, you all might as well start thinking about marching order on the way down...
(Phantom Eyebrow has let me know that he will be out-of-touch for a little while. Let the record show that Numb-R absolutely refuses to be number 2, even if it means falling in behind ArrMatee...)
Blo-R will happily follow his fellow troubleshooter Spyd-R. It helps keep Shoot-O happy, and gets him out of the line of fire about to fall on Spam-R. :D
Numb-R scrambles to get in line behind Blo-R. "Happy to be toughened up to serve The Computer!" he salutes Shoot-O as he falls into line and starts ascending the stairs.
I start to head towards the stairs, hoping nobody else will cut in front of me.... that way I've got a decent spot...
And that leaves ArrMatee to bring up the rear.
As you make your way up the stairs, you notice a couple of things...
First, the steps are narrow and steep. The landings are similarly narrow. Also, the stairwell is not well lit. The lighting is high above you.
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]You have an additional complication; When you try to lift the leg of the exoskeleton to step up, you start to lose your balance. The exoskeleton itself is top-heavy and unbalanced. That big steam chamber on your back really makes it difficult. You're going to need at least one arm working to steady yourself or you'll never make it up without a high risk of falling.[/spoiler]
GM: Looking for Viking's input on ArrMatee's predicament before I continue...
(OOG: Well, frak. I had typed out a post, but apparently it didn't take. Here we go again...)
From all descriptions, it sounds like the other Troubleshooters have gone scrambling up the stairs, while Watch-Y and Shoot-O have gone to the top via alternate means so as to meet us at the top. That would leave ArrMatee alone at the bottom of the stairs, unsupervised. Score!
[spoiler]ArrMatee will simply wait at the bottom of the stairs while he unjams the actuators. Then he'll proceed up the stairs.[/spoiler]
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]Taking your time, you should have no difficulty unjamming the actuators in the right arm.[/spoiler]
Everyone else:
You make it up to the first landing with no serious difficulty. By the time you hit the second landing, you're slowing down and starting to breathe hard.
Do you stop to rest, or keep pushing on?
Blo will push on, and will cheerfuly encourage Spyd on, as well. :D
Verifying that the exoskeleton is once more working properly, ArrMatee will insert both of his arms into their appropriate sleeves of the exo-suit, and proceed to carefully ascend the stairs. He remains ready to brace himself just in case any of his fellow Troubleshooters lose their balance and start tumbling down the stairs.
Quote from: Panther_Gunn on August 27, 2007, 11:55:27 AM
Blo will push on, and will cheerfuly encourage Spyd on, as well. :D
Ahem. This is called a Role-Playing Game. Please role-play your 'encouragement'. (Do you threaten? Do you use something sharp? Do you BS him with patriotism?)
Quote from: BlueBard on August 27, 2007, 02:22:02 PM
Quote from: Panther_Gunn on August 27, 2007, 11:55:27 AM
Blo will push on, and will cheerfuly encourage Spyd on, as well. :D
Ahem. This is called a Role-Playing Game. Please role-play your 'encouragement'. (Do you threaten? Do you use something sharp? Do you BS him with patriotism?)
oog: That's what happens when I try to just squeeze in a quick post.
ig: As Blo continues up the stairs, he pep-talks the Happiness Officer: "That's it, don't stop now, Citizen Spyd! Stopping is for lesser clones. And don't forget that Citizen Shoot-O is keeping a careful watch on us. *I* sure wouldn't want to be on his bad side for stopping before he says stop. Why, it wouldn't surprise me if he shot Citizen Spam's replacement clone at least once, just to relieve a little frustration. But, of course, there's no pressure at all. Just run & be happy!" :D
"Too right, Troubleshooter Blo! Crikey, she's a fair dinkum doozy of a climb!"
Spyd mentally yells at his knees to keep up the climb.
ArrMatee starts up the stairs...
Everyone else... You reach the top to find Shoot-O waiting for you. He has a deep scowl on his face. Watch-Y is nowhere in sight.
You are not used to climbing stairs at all. Combined with the earlier forced marches, your legs are aching, your heart is pounding and you're breathing hard.
"WELL?" Shoot-O shouts, "WHERE'S ARRMATEE?"
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]It's a bit of a slow go, the hydraulics don't move very fast and you have to work to keep your balance. But the exoskeleton is doing most of the work and you're plodding up the stairs with little or no strain. You reach the second landing and start to ascend toward the third when the exoskeleton suddenly becomes extremely difficult to move. You lose your balance and collapse onto the landing on your hands and knees. The ever-present faint hissing sound has stopped.[/spoiler]
You all hear a loud crash and look down to see ArrMatee collapsed on the second landing.
"REPORTING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES, TEAM LEADER!" calls out ArrMatee, as loud as he can manage. "THE EXOSKELETON MAY HAVE RUN OUT OF STEAM!"
[spoiler]Is it possible to get out of the exoskeleton without it, or ArrMatee, taking a nasty fall? He'll probably need to check to see if it needs a refill, or if it's a different problem.[/spoiler]
Quote from: Viking on August 28, 2007, 07:16:43 AM
"REPORTING TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES, TEAM LEADER!" calls out ArrMatee, as loud as he can manage. "THE EXOSKELETON MAY HAVE RUN OUT OF STEAM!"
[spoiler]Is it possible to get out of the exoskeleton without it, or ArrMatee, taking a nasty fall? He'll probably need to check to see if it needs a refill, or if it's a different problem.[/spoiler]
"YOU'RE THE EQUIPMENT GUY!" comes Shoot-O's answering shout. "FIX IT AND GET YOUR BUTT UP HERE!"
[spoiler]Fortunately for you, you're on the landing. Unfortunately, the narrow landing and enclosing safety rails leave you little or no room to manuver. Like, you can't really roll over. And you're strapped in, with the exoskeleton's arms outstretched bracing the floor, so you don't have a hand free to extricate yourself from the exoskeleton. You're going to have to try struggling to your feet, which might cause you to fall forward or backward. Backward might be bad.[/spoiler]
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]Just to clarify... you can still move in the exoskeleton. It's just very difficult. The unpowered hydraulics resist movement and the exoskeleton itself is quite heavy. You'll get fatigued very, very quickly trying to move with it on.[/spoiler]
"PROCEEDING TO HASTEN BUTT MOVEMENT, SIR!" responds ArrMatee with forced enthusiasm.
"MISSION EFFICIENCY WOULD BE ENHANCED IF MY FELLOW TROUBLESHOOTERS BROUGHT ME THEIR THERMOSES OF WATER, TEAM LEADER!" he calls out as a helpful afterthought.
ArrMatee grits his teeth and tries to move the exoskeleton into a standing position, so that he may free himself to fix it.
GM:
[spoiler]Based on ArrMatee's prior familiarizing himself with the exoskeleton, where does one add water to restore the fuel supply?[/spoiler]
I don't recall that anyone ever stopped to fill their thermoses with anything, let alone water. Someone in the group might have some other liquid material.
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]With a herculean effort, you manage to climb to your feet and stand erect.
(Amazingly, you rolled an 18 on your Strength check, then passed your Stamina check to avoid increasing your fatigue level. Must have been a rush of adrenalin.)
Adding water to the steam chamber is one of the things you were briefed on. You just unscrew a small cap and fill the tank.
[/spoiler]
Does the exoskeleton begin hissing once more? ArrMatee checks things over, and then goes through the proper procedure to start the exoskeleton back up again before resuming the climb.
[spoiler]On a separate matter - how prevalent are places where one might fill containers with water in Beta Complex?[/spoiler]
Quote from: Viking on August 28, 2007, 01:21:49 PM
Does the exoskeleton begin hissing once more? ArrMatee checks things over, and then goes through the proper procedure to start the exoskeleton back up again before resuming the climb.
[spoiler]On a separate matter - how prevalent are places where one might fill containers with water in Beta Complex?[/spoiler]
No, the exoskeleton does not begin hissing once more when you are upright. You'll have to get out of the exoskeleton to check the pressure gauge and check the water level.
As an informational aside, drinking fountains may be found in every main hallway of every sector as well as in major departments. Restrooms tend to be located in out of the way places. These are the main sources of potable water. Other sources of water are probably known to HPD&MC and certain others who make it their business to know.
Everyone else:
Shoot-O is red-faced, his brows are knit in an angry frown, and his teeth are bared. He shoves past all of you and begins storming down the steps toward ArrMatee. As he shoves past Spyd-R, he nearly knocks him over the rail... but Spyd-R was able to grab the rail just in time to avoid going over.
Then ArrMatee proceeds, with all due haste, to check on the pressure gauge, water level, and such.
Quote from: Viking on August 28, 2007, 03:33:20 PM
Then ArrMatee proceeds, with all due haste, to check on the pressure gauge, water level, and such.
ArrMatee:[spoiler]You remove yourself from the exoskeleton and squeeze past it to check the steam chamber. The pressure gauge reads zero and the water level is below the minimum. Time for a refill, looks like. You spot Shoot-O storming down the stairs toward you.[/spoiler]
Everyone Else:
"Follow me!" Shoot-O barks.
Quote from: BlueBard on August 28, 2007, 07:45:15 PM
Everyone Else:
"Follow me!" Shoot-O barks.
:o "He looks angry - we should get going as quickly as possible"
Numb tries to stick in the midst of the pack in a suitable position
Spyd follows his illustrious leader.
I assume you're going down in reverse order from how you all went up, except Spam can't decide whether to follow Shoot-O and both Numb and Blo hesitate for their own reasons. Spyd-R tries to squeeze past them on the stairwell to follow Shoot-O. I assume, following his recent near-splat, he is trying to pass on the wall side.
If anyone prevents Spyd-R from doing so or if anyone's pulling any dirty tricks, post here or PM me whichever is appropriate. If anyone refuses to follow them down, post that too.
Struck by sudden inspiration, and looking slightly nervous, Spyd pauses.
"Shoot-O, Sir! Permission to wait on the next landing while everyone else keeps running up and down stairs, to tune the PMB and properly compose our teams anthem before we're thrust into a combat situation where our morale, and possibly our very existence, is dependent on a suitably rousing anthem! Sir!"
Quote from: gdaybloke on August 30, 2007, 05:06:54 PM
Struck by sudden inspiration, and looking slightly nervous, Spyd pauses.
"Shoot-O, Sir! Permission to wait on the next landing while everyone else keeps running up and down stairs, to tune the PMB and properly compose our teams anthem before we're thrust into a combat situation where our morale, and possibly our very existence, is dependent on a suitably rousing anthem! Sir!"
Shoot-O, nearly down to where ArrMatee is checking out the exoskeleton, barks over his shoulder, "PERMISSION DENIED! ALL OF YOU GET DOWN HERE, NOW!"
Spyd gingerly continues his way down...
[spoiler]...whispering into his multicorder mike "Citizen Shoot-O has just expressly ordered me NOT to make efforts to improve team morale, despite my assignment as happiness officer. Very suspicious."[/spoiler]
Spyd-R descends the stairs past the others, who fall into line behind him.
Meanwhile, Shoot-O is shouting at ArrMatee:
"What's wrong with the stu-- uh, stupendous! The stupendous exoskeleton! What's wrong with it?! Why haven't you fixed it yet?!"
Then a thought occurs to him.
"You broke it, didn't you? I saw you tampering with it! You're trying to sabotage my training mission! You-you- traitor!"
Before anyone can blink, Shoot-O's pistol is out and pressed upwards into ArrMatee's chin.
"You'd better spill your guts or I'll spill your brains! Who are you working for? Was it Watch-Y? He put you up to this, didn't he?"
"Arr! The exoskeleton needs more water, sir!" calls out ArrMatee. "No water means no steam! Which means that radioactive material is just sittin' there, uncooled, an' gettin' hotter n' hotter, ready t' blow!"
ArrMatee keeps a manic grin on his face as he continues to fast talk. After all, fear only comes with the anticipation of death. Calm comes with the certainty!
"Now, my orders actually come from higher up than Watch-Y. Internal Security's gotten suspicious of the two of you, so I'm just watchin' th' both of ye. But I've been cunning about gatherin' evidence on ye both! I mean, why else do ye think I don't have a Multicorder, an' yet Multicorders were requisitioned by the Happiness and Cleanliness officers? Who are behind ye, even now!"
Spam, Blo, Numb:
[spoiler]ArrMatee must be the IntSec spy you were warned about! Remember your instructions![/spoiler]
Shoot-O's eyes widen at the mention of the radioactive material getting ready to blow.
"Well what the heck are you just standing there for?! I can't be responsible for irradiating the complex AGAIN! Go get water! Now!!!"
Shoot-O turns to the rest of you. "You want to freaking glow in the dark? Go get water!!! Waitaminute..."
He turns to ArrMatee again. "YOU wait here and do what you can to keep this thing from blowing. I'LL take these hosers to go get some water!"
He turns back to the rest of you. "WATER!!! NOW!!! MOVE!!!"
[spoiler]Did I get any of Shoot-O's outburst on tape? Incriminating evidence indeed![/spoiler]
"Sir! Yes, Sir! But first, a moment of your time..."
[Spoiler]PM away![/spoiler]
"We don't have a moment!" Shoot-O screams. His weapons are out and he's covering all of you. "Get moving up those stairs before I have to shoot every one of you for treasonous insubordination! NOW! This is a Public Safety issue! Priority One!"
"Priority ONE eh!? At the dou... I mean at the Treble sir!" Numb leaps into action in response to Shoot's shouted commands. Running up the stairs in a curious one-at-a-time but rapid stepping gait he searches for a means to cool the radioactive material, he entreats any citizens in the vicinity for aid with a plaintive cry: "Water! Water! Anywhere?"
ArrMatee makes a show of doing what he can to keep the exoskeleton from blowing by spitting into the refill tank. Spit is water, after all...
Shoot-O's laser pistol dips sharply.
"ZAP!"
Suddenly there's a scorch mark on the landing at Spyd-R's feet. "MOVE!!!"
"Sir, I think I have something very important to say. If I could just use a minute of your time, and privately talk with you for a few seconds... you know, away from everyone else..."
I start to sweat at the sight of Shoot-O's pistol, and try to gulp as quitely to myself as possible.
[spoiler]ka-PM![/spoiler]
"ZAP!"
Another scorch mark appears at the feet of Spam-R. Shoot-O's pistol immediately levels up to point directly between Spam-R's eyes.
"Next shot don't miss, you monkeys! WATER! NOW! MOVE!!!"
Numb-R,
You have reached the top of the stairwell and have emerged into the corridor above. You see a number of Red and Infrared level clones going about their business.
"Water! Water! Anywhere?" you shout. The various clones in the corridor stop and stare at you.
(*turns and runs back up the stairs looking for water THAT way*)
After failing, I'll just follow somebody, hoping to find... something. Anything. He said something about water, so I guess I'll look for a sink, or something. A bathroom... a pipe...
Now the stampede is headed in the right direction... ;)
I'll assume Blo-R has gotten the message and is charging up the stairs in a desperate search for water, with Shoot-O hot on his heels.
Spyd-R, you've reached the top of the stairs and burst out into the corridor. You see the same thing Numb-R sees. A bunch of Infrared and Red citizens staring at you.
Now, none of you have ever been to DTH sector before. You have no idea where the lavatories are let alone any other source of water. But you do have other resources.
For anyone not familiar with Paranoia, or if you're stuck for an idea, see the spoiler below. Otherwise, let me know how you intend to locate water.
Resources:
[spoiler]
1. The Computer. You can always find a Terminal somewhere and ask the Computer directly. However, there's a good reason they're called Terminals. Because it's always a good opportunity to get Terminated. Terminals usually sport more hardware than just a user interface, if you know what I mean. If you go this route, form your queries and responses to the Computer carefully. Don't lose sight of the fact that the Computer is frequently fallible, paranoid, and schizophrenic.
2. Your Inventory. Nobody packed water, per se, but you might have other things in your inventories that can help you. If you don't remember what you've got on you, PM me.
3. Your Skills. See if you have any skills that might apply to your search for water. Or attempt to use a skill that you don't have, at a penalty. Either way, this will be subject to a Skill check, so you might fail.
4. Your Mutant Power. Do you have a mutant power that might be useful?
5. Your Service Group. Could your Service Group contacts have information that would be helpful? Mind you, you'll owe someone a favor of some kind if you go this route.
6. Your Secret Society. Could your Secret Society contacts have information? Ditto on the favor owed thing. Plus there's the whole secrecy thing. If you get caught at it, you could be terminated.
7. Other Citizens. Can you get information from a passing citizen? Don't forget that you outrank any Infrared citizen. This will probably involve Charisma/Chutzpah/Skill checks in some way and might fail. Also, other citizens can lie or be clueless. Don't lose sight of the fact that clones are often fallible, paranoid, and schizophrenic. Along the same lines, you could try to find a Bot and try to get the information from it. The Bot may have no useful knowledge, or it may be programmed such that it's purposes are opposed to yours. Technically you outrank the average bot too, but rank is far less useful in dealing with one. And yes, even bots can be fallible, paranoid, and schizophrenic.
8. Backtracking. Have you been anywhere recently that might have water, or someone who knows where water is?[/spoiler]
Blo-R, Spam-R and Shoot-O burst into the corridor.
The citizens in the corridor stare a moment longer, then collectively shrug and go on about their business.
Shoot-O grabs the nearest Infrared by the jumpsuit. "Quick! Where can I find water?"
"Ahh- uhh- umm- Ahh- drinking fountain? I guess?" answers the clone.
"Where?!" Shoot-O bellows.
"Uhh- gee... I'm sure there's one around here somewhere. Uh, don't hurt me... please?"
Spyd-R corrals the nearest Infrared.
"Citizen! This is important Troubleshooter business! We need water down that stairwell, and we need it now! By the authority invested in my by the Computer, I suggest you get a receptacle and start carting water down those stairs before I begin to wonder if YOU might be some trouble worth shooting!"
Spyd points at three other random Infrareds.
"That applied to you, you and you as well! Find some water and get it down those stairs right now!"
Spyd then turns his attention to the Red-Clearance citizens.
"Good daycycle, citizens. If you could find your way to helping out as well, that would be most appreciated, especially if it could happen before I'm required to commence testing on this wonderful device strapped to my back, provided by the good clones of R&D..."
Except for the clone that Shoot-O has by the collar, the rest of the citizens scatter and flee in either direction... presumably to go get water.
OOC: Um... aren't Shoot-O and I at opposite ends of the stairwell? I went up, everyone else went down, no?
Seeing as the others (seem to) have the citizens rallying to the cause, Numb pauses a second to see what else he can bring to the party.
[spoiler]Are there any unpaved, undeveloped areas around here with natural ground? I could use my knowledge of geology and (by extension) groundwater to find some. If this is a silly question, then I'll try to contact the Computer through the nearest terminal and shoot the breeze with it in a looking-for-somewhere-with-water kind of way[/spoiler]
Quote from: gdaybloke on September 06, 2007, 04:00:51 PM
OOC: Um... aren't Shoot-O and I at opposite ends of the stairwell? I went up, everyone else went down, no?
No.
Everyone but ArrMatee went up. Easier than climbing over the presumably radioactive exoskeleton.
Quote from: The Phantom Eyebrow on September 06, 2007, 04:42:51 PM
Seeing as the others (seem to) have the citizens rallying to the cause, Numb pauses a second to see what else he can bring to the party.
[spoiler]Are there any unpaved, undeveloped areas around here with natural ground? I could use my knowledge of geology and (by extension) groundwater to find some. If this is a silly question, then I'll try to contact the Computer through the nearest terminal and shoot the breeze with it in a looking-for-somewhere-with-water kind of way[/spoiler]
Numb-R:[spoiler]Unfortunately, it turns out to be a silly question. You see, Beta Complex is basically an Arcology... a self-contained city. Your knowledge of geology is almost entirely theoretical as you, like most of the clones living there, have never even seen the Outside, let alone visited it.
On the other hand, Terminals are everywhere.[/spoiler]
You see a Terminal down at the end of the corridor, to the left.
[spoiler]I don't suppose my Lore: Beta Complex skill is useful enough in a sector I've not been to before, would it?[/spoiler]
Quote from: Panther_Gunn on September 07, 2007, 12:52:58 AM
[spoiler]I don't suppose my Lore: Beta Complex skill is useful enough in a sector I've not been to before, would it?[/spoiler]
Blo-R:[spoiler]Considering you've never encountered DTH before, it would be highly unlikely. But... nothing ventured, nothing gained...
...And, the skill check fails. Thanks for playing! Wanna try your luck again with something else?[/spoiler]
For some reason, my hands start to shake. I can't decide what I should do. Everyone else is doing at least something, but for some reason, I'm not doing anything useful... I start to panic, and try and find a terminal. Hopefully The Computer will help me through this process of water finding...
[spoiler]What did I have in my inventory? Can't remember...
Also, if I do actually happen to come across water, I'll have to sabotage the water, to sabotage ArMatee. But yet I don't know how...[/spoiler]
Not being as familar with the computer interface for dealing with The Computer as by char is, I am instead going to make a precis of the information given below:
[spoiler]All glory to the Computer, and your lovely circuits, Troubleshooter Numb checking in. In the course of my duties in your service, I find myself in something of a... situation... which I, and my fellow troubleshooters, need your help in. It appears that Troubleshooter ArrMatee has sabotaged the exoskeleton device we've been given (wilfully and with malice of forethought too I shouldn't wonder; I would like to register my suspicions that he must be an IntSec spy btw) and we need to obtain water to cool it down before it all goes up. Please show me a map with the nearest available water sources (toilets, shower facilities, any water tanks for example). In addition, if the area is equipped for it, I would stringly suggest activating any water or foam sprinkler systems in the vicinity of the incident. They might just give us that cooling edge we need.[/spoiler]
OOC: Did the guy I corralled escape? If not, grab him by the earlobe and demand he lead me to water. If so, toss him hands in the air, yell "Traitors are everywhere, dammit!", and, gun drawn, chase after the guy I had corralled.
Spam-R, you start rummaging through your backpack. (I'll PM you the inventory by Monday)
Spyd-R, the clones you shouted to are in the process of vacating the corridor. Only the one Shoot-O is holding on to is staying put. If you want to stop them before they get out of sight, you're going to have to shoot someone. But you don't have proper Termination vouchers or convincing proof of vile treason, so you refrain from taking the shot.
Numb-R, you head for the nearest Terminal, at the end of the corridor. Your conversation with the Computer (the Terminal is fully voice capable) goes something like this:
QuoteComputer: "Good daycycle, Citizen! How may I help you?"
You: "All glory to the Computer and your lovely circuits, Troubleshooter Numb checking in. In the course of my duties in your service, I find myself in something of a... situation... which I, and my fellow troubleshooters, need your help in."
Computer: "It would please Me to assist you, Troubleshooter Numb. What is the situation?"
You: "It appears that Troubleshooter ArrMatee has sabotaged the exoskeleton device we've been given. Willfully and with malice of forethought too I shouldn't wonder; I would like to register my suspicions that he must be an IntSec spy. We need to obtain water to cool it down before it all goes up."
Computer: "That does sound serious, Troubleshooter Numb. And what sort of assistance did you wish Me to provide?"
You: "Please show me a map with the nearest available water sources; toilets, shower facilities, any water tanks for example. In addition, if the area is equipped for it, I would strongly suggest activating any water or foam sprinkler systems in the vicinity of the incident. They might just give us that cooling edge we need."
Computer: "I'm sorry Troubleshooter Numb, but that information is not available at your security clearance. However, I will gladly activate the fire suppression systems in your area."
Suddenly, a heavily armored barrier slams down at either end of the corridor. Additionally, a reinforced door slides into place across the entrance to the stairwell, trapping everyone (except ArrMatee) in the corridor. As this realization sinks in, you all begin to hear a loud hissing noise within the corridor.
Shoot-O looks at Numb-R, wild eyed. "What. Did. You. Do?"
(NOTE: ArrMatee is not privy to this development and is directed to ignore all knowledge of this exchange.)
"Uhhh... can anyone tell me what's going on?"
After a brief widening of the eyes (:shock2:) at hearing the exchange with the computer, and it's outcome, Blo will dig into one of the hygiene kits & pull out a rag, towel, or other appropriate piece of fabric to cover his mouth & nose with (long enough to be tied on would be preferable, otherwise, hold in place with left hand).
Edit: He will also hand one to Citizen Shoot-O. [spoiler]Insert BootLicking skill here.[/spoiler]
[spoiler]Would my skill in Security Systems & Repair skills help me to do something at the computer terminal to avert or bypass the on-coming fire suppression system? If not, would I have enough time to interact with the Computer before it goes off?[/spoiler]
Assuming the PMB isn't waterproof, Spyd seeks cover from the sprinkler system
Blo-R, you're welcome to try whatever you'd like at the Terminal. There's always the chance the Computer can be talked out of doing whatever it's doing, or that you can bypass something. :)
Spyd-R, No sprinklers. Whatever is happening, doesn't involve water.
Speaking of which, you all notice that it is getting chilly. And you're all breathing a bit heavier than you were before.
ArrMatee happily awaits for the return of his Troubleshooter team, singing to himself:
"Oh, I'm a Troubleshooter, I'm okay,
I sleep all nightcycle and I work all daycycle!"
I seem to have lost track of my inventory, but if I have access to any emergency air supply system (either a portable one in my pack or if (and I know I am really stretching it here) there are any emergency break glass units stored along the corridors).
Otherwise I try to talk the Computer out of its current course of action:
"Er... Computer? I feel there was something of a misunderstanding in our last communication, one which is entirely attributable to my poor skills at transferring clear and concise information during a crisis. You see, I am not entirely convinced that removing the oxygen is going to help us deal with this mini-meltdown. I was hoping instead that the cooling effect of water (or foam) might save us by cooling the overheating mechanism that the nuclear material is housed in. Not that I would question the wisdom of the glorious Computer but I am conscious that I may, by error of omission rather than commission, not have given you the complete picture during my last communcition..."
* Despite the growing chill to the air, Numb can't help but notice the profusion of sweat that runs down his face as he talks *
Quote from: The Phantom Eyebrow on September 11, 2007, 12:12:33 PM
"Er... Computer? I feel there was something of a misunderstanding in our last communication, one which is entirely attributable to my poor skills at transferring clear and concise information during a crisis. You see, I am not entirely convinced that removing the oxygen is going to help us deal with this mini-meltdown. I was hoping instead that the cooling effect of water (or foam) might save us by cooling the overheating mechanism that the nuclear material is housed in. Not that I would question the wisdom of the glorious Computer but I am conscious that I may, by error of omission rather than commission, not have given you the complete picture during my last communcition..."
The Computer responds: "Thank you, Citizen! The Computer appreciates your effort of self-improvement in the area of communications. The Fire Suppression system in your area is highly advanced and non-water-based. I can assure you that it will extinguish the fire in your area. You will soon have nothing to worry about. Is there anything else I can do for you, Troubleshooter?"
Spyd yells "Ask it for a keg of Bouncy Bubble Beverage!!"
In a desperate move to find something useful in the oddest of places, Spyd grabs the control panel for the PMB and examines it for options.
Quote from: gdaybloke on September 11, 2007, 07:33:11 PM
Spyd yells "Ask it for a keg of Bouncy Bubble Beverage!!"
In a desperate move to find something useful in the oddest of places, Spyd grabs the control panel for the PMB and examines it for options.
Spyd-R,
There are the following buttons which you have not experimented with:
-Fog Machine
-Light Show
-Instant Enthusiasm
-Crowd Control
-Autofun
Clearly what we need here is instant enthusiasm from the fleeing citizens!
(*jabs the button*)
Quote from: gdaybloke on September 12, 2007, 04:24:37 PM
Clearly what we need here is instant enthusiasm from the fleeing citizens!
(*jabs the button*)
Spyd-R... please note that the fleeing citizens have already fled and are on the other side of the containment barriers. The only people who could be affected are yourself, Shoot-O, the random Infrared citizen Shoot-O still has by the jumpsuit, Spam-R, Blo-R, and Numb-R. All of whom might or might not be in need of a morale boost.
Do you still press the button?
Oh yes, we all need to be in tip top morale shape to resolve this matter!
"I AM feeling pretty heavy and cold just now; something to perk up the spirits might be just the ticket..."
Is there some sort of posted designation for this section of hallway, either on the wall somewhere, or on the Computer Terminal? If there is one, is there a deduction I can make as to what the designation of the hallway/stairwell that ArrMatee is in?
First, Spyd-R presses a button on the PMB. A loud hissing noise is heard coming from the PMB, temporarily drowning out the softer hissing noise in the corridor itself.
Soon, you all start feeling really, REALLY awake and alert, bordering on spastic. You all have an extra burst of energy as a result. Not that the cold hadn't already made you very alert and uncomfortable. It's still really cold, of course, and getting colder.
Spam-R:[spoiler]For you, there is no borderline... you're way past spastic now. You're at the upper end of the manic scale. Go nuts. Have fun![/spoiler]
Quote from: Panther_Gunn on September 14, 2007, 12:46:30 AM
Is there some sort of posted designation for this section of hallway, either on the wall somewhere, or on the Computer Terminal? If there is one, is there a deduction I can make as to what the designation of the hallway/stairwell that ArrMatee is in?
There is such a designation: DTH-C-0M3Z-Q-KKLY. Figuring out the designation of the stairwell would probably be sheer guesswork.
"We're going to freeze to death!" Shoot-O shouts. He glares at the team. "Somebody do something to shut down that fire suppression system!"
At the risk of adding more fuel to the proverbial fire, Numb continues his dialogue with the Computer (all the while, if an opportunity arises to use his computer skills to bypass the suppression system, he will use is. That's just how he rolls).
"Oh Great Computer, its Troubleshooter Numb once again. I was wondering if I could request that you now shut down the suppression system? I believe that the cooling effect brought about by your swift and decisive actions have rendered the situation safe now. The overheating unit I referred to earlier is nicely chilled and if you were to shut down the system now we Troubleshooters can clean up things from there. By exercising our skills in the clean up we can improve and hone them, ultimately to be better able to serve you in the future."
I don't know why, but for some reason, my memory goes blank, it feels like a vein in my forehead snapped, and my eyes turn white... This will be interesting to say the least...
"WHAT IS THIS EVIL AGENDA YOU PEOPLE HAVE BESTOWED UPON MY FEET! NOT ONLY IS IT COLD, BUT IT'S LIKE FREAKING ANTARCTICA IN HERE, FOR BETA-COMPLEX SAKE! DO YOU PEOPLE NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU JUST DID!? DO YOU!?! HERE I AM, FREEZING, AND WORKING MY CLONEATRONIC BUTT OFF, TRYING NOT TO GET FROSTBITTEN SO THAT IT CAN JUST GET AMPUTATED FROM ANOTHER FREAK DOCTOR ROBOT!
IS THAT SOMETHING WARM OVER IN THE CORNER? NO, I THINK THAT'S MY SANITY WHICH I APPARENTLY LOST DUE TO SOME IDIOT TEAM MEMBERS... OH WAIT, THOSE ARE MY IDIOTIC TEAM MEMBERS! I SWEAR TO THE ALMIGHTY COMPUTER, IF WE DON'T GET OUT OF THIS, I'LL BE SURE TO BLAST EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOUR HEADS INTO COMPUTER OBLIVION!"
[spoiler]Just because I can, I'll go around and slap everybody in the head a few times... and these will be like, big man slaps, not little girly slaps. Hopefully it'll knock some sense into them. ;)[/spoiler]
Spam-R,
[spoiler]Please declare your full action... Who are you attacking (slapping) first?[/spoiler]
[spoiler]I'll attack (slap, whatever) Spyd-R first, and then just go around and try and find everyone else, then attack them.[/spoiler]
Spam-R approaches Spyd-R, who suddenly looks wary and backs away from Spam-R while drawing his laser pistol.
Reactions, anyone?
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]The scrubbots work their way up the stairwell, paying particular attention to scrubbing the wall at the base of the stairs. They're clinging rather precariously to the handrails, as the narrow stairs leave their wheeled carriages little purchase and less stability.[/spoiler]
[spoiler]Is Spam wearing his training harness? :twisted:[/spoiler]
Quote from: Panther_Gunn on September 18, 2007, 01:14:24 PM
[spoiler]Is Spam wearing his training harness? :twisted:[/spoiler]
Blo-R:[spoiler]Everybody is wearing their training harness... it was mandatory.[/spoiler]
[spoiler]Blo will position himself so that Numb is between him & wherever Spam is. Kneeling down (which also presents a smaller target), he'll retrieve his training barrel from his pack, switch it out with the live barrel on his pistol, and then attempt to shoot Spam in the training harness.....and he'll continue to use Numb as cover as long as possible.[/spoiler]
Okay, time for a little map:
####TT######################################
|| Nu ||
|| <Bl ShIR S1> S2> ||
|| ||
###################===######################
TT - Terminal
Bl - Blo
Nu - Numb
S1 - Spam
S2 - Spyd
Sh - Shoot
IR - Infrared bystander
### - Wall
|| - Metal Containment Barrier
=== - Door to Stairwell (Secured)
< V > ^ - Direction of movement
Spam is moving toward Spyd, who is backing away. Blo is moving toward Numb.
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]5...4...3...2...1...[/spoiler]
Suddenly, everything turns pitch dark and eerily silent.
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]Everything goes dark and quiet for you, too, except a loud crashing noise at the base of the stairs that sounds like 'stuff' fell.[/spoiler]
Reactions?
ArrMatee pulls out his flashlight and checks to see if it's operational.
Quote from: Viking on September 19, 2007, 08:37:13 AM
ArrMatee pulls out his flashlight and checks to see if it's operational.
No.
Just as a by-the-by, are we sealed into a completely separate area to where the nucelar exoskeleton is? If the Computer does not shut down the suppression system in here based on my last earnest entreaty, I'll try emphasising that angle. Given the amount of shouting and goings and doings, Numb's attention is focused on what is going on in the room and he is only focused on the terminal for the duration of his correspondences.
Quote from: The Phantom Eyebrow on September 19, 2007, 10:24:57 AM
Just as a by-the-by, are we sealed into a completely separate area to where the nucelar exoskeleton is? If the Computer does not shut down the suppression system in here based on my last earnest entreaty, I'll try emphasising that angle. Given the amount of shouting and goings and doings, Numb's attention is focused on what is going on in the room and he is only focused on the terminal for the duration of his correspondences.
Yes, you are in a completely separate area from the exoskeleton.
The fire suppression system is shut down along with everything else, including the lighting system and the Terminal you are standing in front of. At a guess, you'd say that all of the power to this area has been shut off.
[spoiler]Since the lights are out, and hopefully Spyd-R can't see in the dark, I'll take a running jump towards the direction I'm facing (which I'm facing Spyd-R, am I not?), and try and tackle him onto the ground. Then I'll just whale on him, hoping to get in a few good shots... and if he retaliates, of course, I'll just have to go a bit crazy, and try and kill him... then, if the lights ever get back on, I'll step far away from the scene, and blame it on somebody else.[/spoiler]
ArrMatee hums happily to himself.
"Clearly, this is the Computer's means of protecting me!" he exclaims. "Now I can't possibly see anything beyond my Security Clearance!"
[spoiler]ArrMatee is going to start down the stairs. Very. Very. Slowly. And. Carefully.
Basically, he'll be holding on to the railing, and carefully feeling his way down, one stair at a time. He's squeezed past the exo-suit a couple of times already, so he'll be expecting to eventually reach it and have to squeeze past it. He's hoping to eventually find his way downstairs, fumble about until he locates the Energy Suppression Grenade, and turn it off.[/spoiler]
A Small Glimpse Into ParanoiaThe following Spoiler is for the entertainment of all. It's a little glimpse into the World of Paranoia and how The Computer and Beta Complex as a whole reacts to unexpected events. Such as a large area suddenly going dark and without power.
Players please do not read this if you can't pretend that you didn't read this.
[spoiler]
DTH Sector, Troubleshooter HQ:
Hole-Y-MLY stares at his terminal as a Mission Alert comes in. It reads:
Quote
MISSION ALERT!!!
A large portion of DTH sector has been taken offline due to a massive power outage. Communication with a Troubleshooter team just before the disaster suggests a nuclear device has been detonated by Commie Traitors, destroying critical infrastructure. Dispatch a Troubleshooter team immediately! Objective: Find and Eliminate the Traitors Responsible!
DTH Sector, Power Services:
A red light appears on a massive control board. Standing in front of it, Elec-O-RIC mutters something under his breath.
"We got a power outage, sir! Uh, Ma'am!" he shouts to his supervisor, Mana-G-ERR. "Something tripped the circuit breakers in Area C!"
Mana-G frowns. "Great Watt! Probably some idiot turned on too many lights again," she growls. "Take a couple of Repair bots with you and go fix it. Oh, and find out who's responsible for this. I'm gonna debit their credit accounts for the outage costs!"
DTH Sector, Environmental Control:
A klaxon hoots in distress, startling Fyi-R-FTR out of a sound sleep. "Oh my Computer! A fire!" he shouts. He runs to his terminal and reads the following:
Quote
Fire Alert Registered in Corridor DTH-C-0M3Z-Q-KKLY; Fire Suppression System Failure; Mobilize Fire Team Immediately!
DTH Sector, Armed Forces Post 666:
Sar-G-ANT runs into the barracks, strapping on a holster as he shouts, "Battle Stations, Soldiers!"
"What's goin' on, Sar-G?" one of the grunts asks as he rolls out of his bunk.
"Commies! That's what!" Sar-G shouts. "The Commies attacked with Nukes! Just like The Computer always told us! Get your guns, people! We're gonna send the Commie scum right to HEL Sector!"
A cheer rings out as the soldiers stampede for the weapons locker.
(There's more to add, but unfortunately I don't have time at the moment)
[/spoiler]
[spoiler]Since it's pitch black in here, nobody can see what I'm doing. :P
PM on it's way![/spoiler]
Spyd-R can be heard to shout, "Gosh it's dark in here! The only people who could do stuff in these conditions must be mutants!"
Spam-R:
[spoiler]You launch yourself at the source of Spyd-R's voice... and fall flat on your face, missing him completely.[/spoiler]
There is overheard a dull 'Twack' on the floor and a grunt of pain.
"What in HEL Sector is going on?!" Shoot-O shouts in frustration.
Blo-R:
[spoiler]You've swapped out the barrel and pocketed the other one. Now you set about to disable the other thing. Your other action will have to wait for the next round.[/spoiler]
No further map is provided, because it's dark and you can't see anyhow.
Meanwhile,
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]You find it and turn it off. Nothing happens. It's still dark and your flashlight still doesn't work.[/spoiler]
[spoiler]Just to lure Spyd-R to me, I'll yell "Hey Spyd-R! Come over here, I'm scared!" Hopefully he'll take the bait, and we'll find each other. Then when that happens, I'll beat the snot outta him. Also, I'll get up and try not to moan to loudly...[/spoiler]
[spoiler]Sweet! I made it downstairs! Life in Beta Complex just keeps getting BETTER! I'll put away the Grenade. Then I'll pull out the Hottorch, and see if that works. If so, I try to finish the project I was working on before the scrubbots arrived.[/spoiler]
Quote from: Viking on September 20, 2007, 12:24:33 PM
[spoiler]Sweet! I made it downstairs! Life in Beta Complex just keeps getting BETTER! I'll put away the Grenade. Then I'll pull out the Hottorch, and see if that works. If so, I try to finish the project I was working on before the scrubbots arrived.[/spoiler]
ArrMatee:[spoiler]
Yes, the hottorch works. Non-electrically powered. (Technically, there is a sparking mechanism, but doesn't rely on batteries.)
And I see you have your priorities in order. Carry on!
[/spoiler]
Spam-R is overheard to say:
"Hey Spyd-R! Come over here, I'm scared!"
"Hang on, Spam-R! I'll restore your confidence with the PMB! After all, the computer provides for all our needs, so there's no legitimate reason to be scared unless you're a filthy commie!"
[spoiler]PM incoming[/spoiler]
Nothing happens. If Beta Complex had crickets, you'd hear crickets, but you hear nothing. Nada. Zip.
Blo-R:
[spoiler]As you're working in the darkness, someone runs into you and falls on top of you.[/spoiler]
"YAAAHHH!" someone screams.
[spoiler]Can I make an educated guess as to the identity, judging by which direction they came from? I would most likely be facing the direction of the Computer Terminal during all of this "work" time.[/spoiler]
Quote from: Panther_Gunn on September 20, 2007, 01:59:10 PM
[spoiler]Can I make an educated guess as to the identity, judging by which direction they came from? I would most likely be facing the direction of the Computer Terminal during all of this "work" time.[/spoiler]
Blo-R:[spoiler]Based on the available information, you're reasonably sure it couldn't have been Numb-R. Likewise, you -think- Spam-R and Spyd-R are still over *thataway*. With no light it's hard to tell but since the voice of the person who ran into you doesn't sound familiar, you guess that it's the nameless Infrared that Shoot-O had by the collar.[/spoiler]
"Shoot-O! Some evil commie mutant traitor has used the cover of darkness to sabotage the PMB, deliberately interfering with my duties as happiness officer! Requesting permission to shoot wildly in the hope of winging the scum!"
Quote from: gdaybloke on September 20, 2007, 02:57:33 PM
"Shoot-O! Some evil commie mutant traitor has used the cover of darkness to sabotage the PMB, deliberately interfering with my duties as happiness officer! Requesting permission to shoot wildly in the hope of winging the scum!"
"I already tried that!" Shoot-O shouts in frustration. "Neither of my pistols work! And none of the laser barrels! Where is that doggone Equipment Guy when you need him?"
ArrMatee, busy with his project, sneezes. Someone must be talking about him.
ArrMatee,
For the second time in a row, your 'project' is interrupted by someone. In this case someone stumbling through the door at the bottom of the stairwell and falling down.
"Arrrr! Who goes there?" he calls out.
[spoiler]He'll put his equipment away while it is still dark.[/spoiler]
ArrMatee:
"Do you have a light, Citizen? I thought I saw a light just now." the voice says, with a note of desperation.
[spoiler]I'll call out to Spyd-R once again, since the first time I think he might have been suspicious. I'll yelp "Spyd-R! Can you get over here and give me something? I think my happiness is failing in this very dark time of need. Please, as a team mate..." Hopefully that'll get him.[/spoiler]
ArrMatee pulls out his hottorch and turns it on briefly, to get a look at this random passerby.
Quote from: Viking on September 21, 2007, 09:37:07 AM
ArrMatee pulls out his hottorch and turns it on briefly, to get a look at this random passerby.
ArrMatee:
"Oh, Thank The Computer!" says the Citizen as your hottorch lights. He appears to be wearing a Green jumpsuit, though it's difficult to make out colors in the poor lighting. "I've been stumbling around in the dark!"
Meanwhile, back in the corridor:
"Spyd-R!" cries Spam-R, "Can you get over here and give me something? I think my happiness is failing in this very dark time of need. Please, as a team mate..."
"Quit fooling around, you nitwits!" Shoot-O snaps. "We've got to get out of here! And find some light! Any ideas?"
ArrMatee is quite surprised by this turn of events. A Green Clearance citizen? Who is not immediately acting arrogant and superior? Wow!
"A pleasure to assist ye, Citizen," he offers helpfully. "Though I'm not too sure how much power this hottorch has, so we should conserve it. Might ye be here t' do something about this power problem? If so, I'd be happy t' lend ye a hand!"
Quote from: Viking on September 21, 2007, 10:52:30 AM
ArrMatee is quite surprised by this turn of events. A Green Clearance citizen? Who is not immediately acting arrogant and superior? Wow!
"A pleasure to assist ye, Citizen," he offers helpfully. "Though I'm not too sure how much power this hottorch has, so we should conserve it. Might ye be here t' do something about this power problem? If so, I'd be happy t' lend ye a hand!"
"Oh, no," the Green level Citizen replies. "I don't know anything about a power problem. I was just on my way to inspect for cleanliness when everything went dark. I really don't like the dark... who knows what kind of filth it might hide? Can you leave the torch on for a little while? Just till we find another light?"
The fact that he's wearing HPD&MC insignia, isn't carrying any weapons, and seems to have an irrational fear of darkness might explain his attitude.
Spyd bellows "Computer! Lights please!"
"No power, no lights, and no communication with The Computer!" Shoot-O snaps.
There is a pause.
"Maybe we can force open the door to the stairwell," he muses. "With no power, the magnetic seal should be broken."
Spyd says "Great idea! Computer! Please direct us to the stairwell door!"
Quote from: gdaybloke on September 22, 2007, 01:21:32 PM
Spyd says "Great idea! Computer! Please direct us to the stairwell door!"
There is a pause.
"What part of 'no power' are you not comprehending, Troubleshooter?" Shoot-O asks irritably.
"AAAHHH!" screeches a voice you assume to be that of the Infrared. "We can't receive wisdom and instruction from The Computer! We're doomed!"
There is a sharp 'THWACK!' and the voice falls silent.
"Everybody! Try to find that stairwell door!" Shoot-O orders.
(Is anyone NOT looking?)
Spyd stands still for fear of bumping into something pointy or shooty, and looks around him.
"Having trouble locating the door, sir. I can report that I've successfully found the floor!"
GM:
[spoiler]
ArrMatee ponders the situation.
"Why don't we do this?" he suggests to the Green-clearance citizen. "When the lights went out, I was waiting for my Troubleshooting team to return with water. But they've been gone a while, and the lack of lights will only slow them further, I imagine."
"The stairwell leading up is blocked at the moment - that's why we needed the water. So I can't go up after my Troubleshooting team in search of water. But if you knew of a nearby source of water on this level, we could go get some to help unblock that stairwell. And I could keep this hottorch going as a source of light while we did that together. What say ye to that?"
[/spoiler]
ArrMatee:
The Citizen replies, "Ah, well, I... I'm not sure I know where there is any water. I'm not from this sector. But maybe... somewhere that way?" he suggests tentatively as he points to the door at the bottom of the stairwell.
Obviously, the Peter Principle is alive and well in Beta Complex.
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]You get a closer look at the Citizen's jumpsuit and notice that there is a Yellow stripe indicating that he is a Registered Mutant.[/spoiler]
GM:
[spoiler]
ArrMatee sighs, trying not to let his disappointment show.
"Well Citizen, as long as yer a Registered Mutant, d'ye mind tellin' me what yer Mutation be? On the off chance that it could help us find another light, y'see."
[/spoiler]
Quote from: Viking on September 24, 2007, 09:14:51 AM
GM:
[spoiler]
ArrMatee sighs, trying not to let his disappointment show.
"Well Citizen, as long as yer a Registered Mutant, d'ye mind tellin' me what yer Mutation be? On the off chance that it could help us find another light, y'see."
[/spoiler]
ArrMatee:[spoiler]
The Citizen appears to be indignant.
"Oh sure! Throw -that- in my face, as if I don't have enough to deal with! You want to know my mutation--?"
The hottorch rips itself out of your hands and flies into the Citizen's hands.
"Satisfied?"
[/spoiler]
GM:
[spoiler]
This being a Paranoia game, it occurs to ArrMatee that the hottorch being in the Green citizen's hands could be a disadvantage - especially if the Green citizen decides to keep it.
"Quite satisfied, Citizen!" he responds cheerfully. "Now I won't have to ask you again in the presence of other Citizens, which might otherwise lead to unhappiness. Would you like for me to hold the hottorch for you so that you may proceed with your cleanliness inspection?"
[/spoiler]
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]
"I'm commandeering this equipment for... official business on behalf of The Computer," the Citizen replies. "I'm inspecting this stairwell, per my orders. You may have it back when I'm done, and then you may lead me out of here."
He turns a little and sees the tangle of deactivated scrubbots at the base of the stairs. "Oh my," he says. Then he sees the words burned into the wall: 'BLO-IR-UPP SEZ DETH'.
"Well, this wall definitely needs repainting," he comments.
[/spoiler]
"A-HA!" Shoot-O crows. "I've found it! Everyone get over here and help me pry this open!"
"Coming, sir, while simultaneously ensuring minimal damage to Computer property!"
[spoiler]Spyd drops to the floor and starts shimmying towards the sound of Shoot-O's voice[/spoiler]
[spoiler]PM sent[/spoiler]
"Proceeding at once, Citizen Shoot-O!"
[spoiler]PM on it's way[/spoiler]
"At last, a voice ringing through the chaos and giving us instruction in these trying times. On my way at once sir!"
[spoiler]PM on it's way[/spoiler]
Someone starts singing in a trembling, squeaky voice. You can't make out the words.
Spam-R:
[spoiler]Yeah, it's you.[/spoiler]
Blo-R:
[spoiler]You make your way over to the opposite wall and feel your way over towards the door. Your foot bumps into some obstruction on the floor and you stop. Shortly thereafter, you are bumped from behind.
[/spoiler]
Numb-R:
[spoiler]You make your way over to the opposite wall and feel your way over towards the door. You suddenly bump into someone.[/spoiler]
Spyd-R:
[spoiler]You successfully make your way over to the door where Shoot-O is without bumping into anything.[/spoiler]
Quote from: BlueBard on October 01, 2007, 07:54:54 AM
Numb-R:
[spoiler]You make your way over to the opposite wall and feel your way over towards the door. You suddenly bump into someone.[/spoiler]
[spoiler]Eep!
Can I tell whether I've bumped into someone at the door or on route to it? I'll have a quick check to see if this someone is actively working on opening the door as part of a team of door-openers. Otherwise I'll leave them to it in splendid unitary isolation and try to continue my way over to the door.[/spoiler]
(We control the horizontal, We control the vertical, We're moving things along...)
"Watch it!" Blo-R growls. "Sorry," Numb-R says.
"Hurry up!" Shoot-O shouts. "If you clones don't shape up, I'm going to terminate you with my bare hands!"
Blo-R and Numb-R make it to the door. The awful singing continues in the background.
"Roll call!" Shoot-O barks. "Call out your name, so I know where you are!"
"Spyd-R, here, Team Leader!" "Blo-R, here!" "Numb-R, uh, present!"
"Spam-R! Quit that infernal singing and get over here, or I'll leave you alone in the dark!"
"Coming, Shoot-O!" Spam-R shouts in alarm.
"Okay, now help me with this door! We need to get it open and get back into the stairwell!"
(We now return you to your normal state of dysfunction...)
(in an authoritative voice)
"Citizen Numb-R! Citizen Blo-R! Help Citizen Shoot-O while I corral Citizen Spam-R!"
pauses...
"Citizen Spam-R, get yer skinny butt over here before I have you terminated for slovenliness!"
"I'm sorry, but I thought the song would help improve everyone's moral! I don't know why I would be terminated for sloveliness, due to me just trying to help! I'm coming, I just need to find my way there... where are you guys?"
[spoiler]I try not to show it, but I'm starting to get really worried about the door, and if it might malfunction while I help try to open it... I also am really worried about the whole room being nothing but dark. I mean, dark is scary![/spoiler]
Quote from: Spam on October 02, 2007, 09:05:34 AM
"I'm sorry, but I thought the song would help improve everyone's moral! I don't know why I would be terminated for sloveliness, due to me just trying to help! I'm coming, I just need to find my way there... where are you guys?"
Just to save some time let's assume you're already at the door, having followed the unmistakable sound of Shoot-O's voice. The corridor really isn't all that large...
Quote from: gdaybloke on October 02, 2007, 07:33:36 AM"Citizen Spam-R, get yer skinny butt over here before I have you terminated for slovenliness!"
"Excuse me, Citizen, but that's *my* job."
Quote from: Spam on October 02, 2007, 09:05:34 AM
"I'm sorry, but I thought the song would help improve everyone's moral!"
"And that's *his* job! Perhaps if you two Citizens would concentrate more on doing your own jobs instead of someone else's, we wouldn't be in this mess to begin with. Citizen Shoot-O, I would like to report Citizens Spam-R and Spyd-R for treasonous activities and dereliction of duty! Only a Commie Traitor would behave in such a manner, at least so the Computer tells us so."
*helps with the door as an afterthought*
"Yeah, feel free to file a report," Shoot-O grunts. "If you can find a working Terminal and if we ever get out of this blasted corridor. Meanwhile...
SHUT UP AND GET THE DOOR OPEN!!!" he shouts at full volume.
"Anybody got anything to pry with?" he grumbles with frustration.
{sigh} Moving things along... again...
"I can't get a grip on the door and I can't get my fingers in the crack," Shoot-O complains. "Figures," he grumbles, "we need tools and the Equipment Guy is on the other side of the door. All we need is something small, hard, and flat with a bit of an edge and we can probably pry it open."
"Shoot-O, sir, might I ask, in your experience, whether you think we might have a better chance searching elsewhere in the corridor? Regardless, I'm afraid I don't have any bladed implements to help out here... where did you leave that infrared? He might have something on his person?"
"I didn't do anything with the Infrared," Shoot-O says. "I assume he knocked himself out running in the dark. Can't have gone far though, every direction was sealed off. Spyd-R, you find him and search him."
"Sir! Yes Sir!"
Spyd begins scuffling around on the floor in the dark, in an effort to fund the downed infrared
"Come on folks, put your backs into it! We can't aid the Computer trapped in this darned corridor!"
(pm sent)
Already at the door, I wipe any sweat that might be on my brow, and put my back into lifting that door...
[spoiler]Still worried about pretty much everything... I'mma 'bout to snap... again. =p[/spoiler]
You all hear a muffled voice coming from the other side of the door. It says, "Putting my back into it, SIR!"
"Still scuffling, sir!"
There is a scraping sound coming from the other side of the door. A glimmer of light shines through a crack.
With an exultant shout of relief, Shoot-O jams his fingers into the crack and heaves, opening the door a little wider and admitting more light.
ArrMatee peers through the crack from the other side, while still using the screwdriver to help lever open the door.
"Arr! Thank the Computer ye're all okay!" he exclaims between grunts of effort. "Any luck in gettin' water fer the exo-suit?"
The door is now fully open. ArrMatee-R is standing there holding a screwdriver and a hottorch.
Spyd starts to hum...
"By the light.... of the silvery blowtorch..."
Since we were in the dark for our share of minutes, our eyes were obviously adjusted to the darkness. The sudden brightness of light hurts Spam's eyes. He puts his hands over his eyes, thinking that'll help stop the painful light that sshines through the doorway, but unfortunately, it doesn't really help all that much...
"The light... It... BUUUUUURNS!" Spam says. He then jumps up and down screaming in agony at the pain from the light on his eyes... After screaming for a bit, he then starts to run towards the door with his arms extended as if he were going to clothesline somebody...
"HUUUUURT!" Spam screams while running.
[spoiler]The light officially freaked Spam out now... so he'll run rampant for awhile until somebody zaps him, or something.[/spoiler]
Thinking quickly, ArrMatee turns off the hottorch.
[spoiler]He then steps to the side of the door, so as to be out of the path of anyone that happens to charge through.[/spoiler]
The lights go out as Spam-R charges the door.
"HUUURR-AIIIEEE!" he screams. There is a dull 'thud-thud-bump-thud-CRASH-bump-thud-thud' as he falls down the stairs.
Spam-R:
[spoiler]It really hurts. Then you pass out. Or worse.[/spoiler]
Spyd: "Oh great, now it's dark again. Where IS that infrared??"
ArrMatee turns the hottorch back on again, and steps back into view.
"We should probably try to find water on this level," he suggests. "I've managed to keep the exo-suit stable for the moment, but it's hard to say how long that will last."
"Oh marvellous. Out of the frying pan and into the... Er, no that's not quite right. Out of the darkness then...! Out of the darkness and into the... er... room with an... unstable, nuclear powered exo-suit..."
...
"But while you may be the harbringer of ill and scary tidings, you are also right ArrMatee; me must continue searching for some means of suppressing the impending runaway reaction. And we should not simply take inspiration from the suit and run away ourselves. Although, sometimes to beat something, you have to think like it first. And conundrum indeed..."
ArrMatee looks slightly puzzled for a moment.
"You mean you didn't just find the communal hygiene station on this floor of this sector? From this door it's just a left turn, left again past the Terminal, then straight for a while, and then right. You'd know that you've gone too far if you pass a dorm."
ArrMatee looks to Shoot-O-LOT.
"Permission requested to start looking for the Hygiene Station, Team Leader? If I come across any further sealed doors, I can start prying them open, though I'll probably need some help in forcing them open all the way."
Quote from: Viking on October 13, 2007, 06:16:36 AM
ArrMatee looks slightly puzzled for a moment.
"You mean you didn't just find the communal hygiene station on this floor of this sector? From this door it's just a left turn, left again past the Terminal, then straight for a while, and then right. You'd know that you've gone too far if you pass a dorm."
ArrMatee looks to Shoot-O-LOT.
"Permission requested to start looking for the Hygiene Station, Team Leader? If I come across any further sealed doors, I can start prying them open, though I'll probably need some help in forcing them open all the way."
"Recruit," Shoot-O growls, "I got a real good look at those heavily armored containment doors as they sealed off the corridor. If you can pry those open with a screwdriver, you're a no-good, stinking mutant." He glances at Blo-R. "No offense, Recruit."
ArrMatee nods affirmatively. "Understood, Team Leader Shoot-O-LOT! What are your orders?"
Quote from: BlueBard on October 13, 2007, 07:18:20 AM"Recruit," Shoot-O growls, "I got a real good look at those heavily armored containment doors as they sealed off the corridor. If you can pry those open with a screwdriver, you're a no-good, stinking mutant." He glances at Blo-R. "No offense, Recruit."
"None taken, Citizen Shoot-O. I agree completely. I'm only registered as a mutant because it was mandatory. It's not really a mutation, just an unfortunate lab accident. I fully expect the effects to wear off, given enough......" *looks around at the staring faces, looks at Shoot-O* "Shutting up now, sir!"
Spam, just laying there in pain and unconsciousness, would probably be wondering why nobody is coming to help...
"Let's try the level below," Shoot-O says. "There might be water down there somewhere. Then we can proceed with our mission objectives."
"Reconnaissance report, Team Leader!" adds ArrMatee in a dutiful manner.
"After the lights went out, I heard a disturbance at the bottom of the stairs. I went to observe from a safe distance, and saw a Citizen engaged in suspicious activity! Said Citizen was shooting flames from his hands at one of the walls, Team Leader, and said Citizen did not have a Yellow band to mark himself as a Registered Mutant! I yelled really loudly at what I presumed to be a no-good, stinking Mutant (no offense, Citizen Blo), which apparently surprised him. He ran towards the stairs to come after me but, due to his surprise, stumbled horribly and hit his head, after which he stopped moving. I then immediately proceeded to the top of the stairs to locate my Team, Team Leader!"
"Let's go," growls Shoot-O. "You first, Equipment Guy. We've got to get out of this dead end."
You all carefully make your way down the stairs to the landing, where Spam-R is sprawled all over the Steam-Powered Exoskeleton. He's not moving.
"Morale Officer! We have a team member down! What are you gonna do about it?"
ArrMatee will continue to carefully make his way around the Exoskeleton, preferably without disturbing Spam-R's non-moving body. He doesn't want to hold up the team's movement, after all.
Shoot-O is impatiently waiting for the Morale Officer's response.
"Hrm", muses Spyd-R.
"Shoot-O, the computer in its wisdom has authorised me to carry a number of pharmaceuticals that may help put some life back into Spam-R. Requesting permission to administer as many as it takes, sir."
Quote from: gdaybloke on October 16, 2007, 01:35:03 PM
"Hrm", muses Spyd-R.
"Shoot-O, the computer in its wisdom has authorised me to carry a number of pharmaceuticals that may help put some life back into Spam-R. Requesting permission to administer as many as it takes, sir."
"Permission granted. Get on with it."
Spyd-R pulls out a handful of canisters, sorts them in his hand, and starts dispensing them.
Fortunately, Spam-R still appears to be breathing. No point in wasting good medication on a dead clone, eh?
You place a pill in his mouth, but he isn't swallowing it. What do you do?
They should dissolve under his tongue. If that doesn't work, massage his adam's apple to force a swallow reflex.
Spam-R wakes up, gagging, with Spyd-R's hands on his throat.
Spam-R:
[spoiler]Last you knew, you fell in the darkness. Now you are lying on top of the exoskeleton with Spyd-R's hands on your throat and you are choking. You feel very dizzy, very bruised, and there is a sharp pain in your right arm.[/spoiler]
I try to get Spyd-R's hand out of my mouth to hopefully stop the choking.
[spoiler]What Exoskeleton? My exoskeleton, or somebody else's?[/spoiler]
Spam-R tries to fend off Spyd-R, but stiffens in pain. Spyd-R gets bitten as Spam-R clenches his teeth. There seems to be something wrong with his right arm.
OOC: My arm, or Spams?
Quote from: gdaybloke on October 19, 2007, 11:07:55 AM
OOC: My arm, or Spams?
Spam-R's arm.
All you have to worry about are the fingers he bit. Hopefully he's not a filthy mutant with a poisonous bite....
"This is for your own good, Citizen!!!"
Spyd shoves the rest of his pills into Spam's open gob and then clamps a hand over it.
"Swallow, for the love of the Computer! Only a filthy traitor would refuse authorised medication!"
Since there's a hand over my mouth, Spam can't really do anything else but swallow... Spam'll try to swallow the pills Spyd-R gave him ever so forcefully, and maybe even clamp down on Spyd-R's hand some more. Spam will also try to keep pressure on his right arm, as if in an act of agony and despair.
"There's a good citizen! Why, I'm inspired to record your loyalty for posterity!"
Spyd makes a point of recording Spam's brave willingness to do his duty and swallow the pills with the multicorder
Unfortunately, Spyd-R, your multicorder appears to be non-functional. It won't power on.
Spam-R, we'll have to wait a bit for those drugs to kick in. They won't take effect until you metabolize them.
In the meantime, is anyone doing anything else?
ArrMatee is happily continuing down the stairs, enjoying the reassuring light from his Hottorch.
After the pill swallowing, I'll just grab my arm, and see if there's a problem with it. I'll try and see if it's broken, or out of place, or something.
Quote from: Spam on October 21, 2007, 07:52:47 PM
After the pill swallowing, I'll just grab my arm, and see if there's a problem with it. I'll try and see if it's broken, or out of place, or something.
Spam-R grabs his arm... And screams like a crecheling.
Spam, you have no idea whether it's broken or not, but you know it hurts worse than a deep body cavity probe. Well, almost.
Blo-R:[spoiler]You have Medical skill... do you examine Spam-R?[/spoiler]
Spyd cocks his head. "Fascinating..."
"Well Medical Officer, what think you of our fellow Troubleshooter's condition; can he be brought back to fighting fettle or should he be put out to pasture? At least he still has one arm working, so that's something, eh?"
OOG: I guess I will assume that if anyone in the group has medical skill he has decided not to fess up.
"Let's get moving!" Shoot-O growls. "Let's go find some water and get that exoskeleton running so we can get out of this Computer-forsaken stairwell and complete our mission!"
ArrMatee is cheerfully descending the stairs, taking the group's sole light source along with him...
Since obviously nobody cares, I'll just yell until somebody does something...
"WHAT ABOUT MY ARM!? It could be broken or worse, and yet nobody is doing anything!?!? What the frick! I was given pills, but will those help? And what if I'm allergic to them, and die from my innards exploding!? Those pills were probably poison, weren't they? WEREN'T THEY!? Let me see the pill bottle! NOW!"
[spoiler]If I don't get to see the pill bottle, I'll try to see the pill bottle by force until I see what pills I took.[/spoiler]
ArrMatee continues to cheerfully descend the stairs with the light source. After all, he has much to be happy about! The mentally unbalanced Troubleshooter is on the other side of the exoskeleton with the rest of his team, after all.
Life is good.
Shoot-O climbs over the exoskeleton and Spam-R.
"This thing's getting warm," he mutters. He follows ArrMatee-R down the stairs.
Everybody else... you can follow the light... or wait until the exoskeleton starts glowing.
Quote from: Spam on October 23, 2007, 11:50:24 AM"WHAT ABOUT MY ARM!? It could be broken or worse, and yet nobody is doing anything!?!? What the frick! I was given pills, but will those help? And what if I'm allergic to them, and die from my innards exploding!? Those pills were probably poison, weren't they? WEREN'T THEY!? Let me see the pill bottle! NOW!"
"Now, now, Citizen Spam, this is no time to worry incessantly about such trivialities. We have a mission to complete. You wouldn't want to fail the Computer, would you? Here, let us give you a hand. Citizen Spyd, would you mind rendering assistance? I'll take this arm."
"Here, this should help!"
Spud pulls out another bottle of pills.
Blo-R gently takes Spam-R by the arm to help him up... unfortunately, by the injured arm.
Spam-R:
[spoiler]Spam, Blo has unfortunately given your arm a slight twist as he assists you (you can't tell whether it was intentional or not, but you are a paranoid guy so you probably assume it is intentional)... and this sends excruciating pain shooting up your entire arm. You don't quite pass out, but it's enough to make you feel queasy and faint.[/spoiler]
I scream out in agony, as it just feels like my arm is about to pop... in a really bad way. it freaking hurts. I just can't stand anymore of it...
"No more pills!" I yell at Spyd-r...
[spoiler]While I take my gun and try to shoot Blo-R, who's obviously making matters worse by hurting my arm. And because he did that intentionally, so... revenge. :ph34r:[/spoiler]
Quote from: BlueBard on October 23, 2007, 12:59:54 PM
Everybody else... you can follow the light... or wait until the exoskeleton starts glowing.
While this is not the sort of advice one should normally follow from a Paranoid GM, Numb does indeed follow the light.
Spam-R scrabbles at his holster with his left arm, trying to draw it crosswise. In an act of shockingly violent desperation, he manages to draw his laser pistol, shove it against Blo-R, and pull the trigger.
CLICK.
Nothing happens.
GM: I would have thought the whole power drain thing was pretty well self-evident by now...
By the way, ArrMatee and everyone following him have cheerfully reached the bottom of the stairwell. For those still on the landing with the exoskeleton (Spyd, Blo, Spam), the light is getting mighty dim.
On the other hand, the steam chamber of the exoskeleton is now warm enough to make a really nice heater and it's beginning to give off a slight reddish glow. Not enough to see by. Yet.
Now in an act of desperation, I'll try to go down the landing, hoping not to get caught by Blo-R... and also because I'm afraid the exoskeleton will blow up... or something.
Being the first one down the stairs, with Shoot-O-LOT behind him, ArrMatee no doubt sees quite a lot of disarray at the bottom of the stairs. His eyes will bug out with surprise and genuine shock, of course.
"By the Computer!" he exclaims. "Watch your step, Sir! I don't know what happened down here, but it's pretty cluttered."
"Hold up, Spam-R! I have your medication here!"
Spyd pursues Spam down the landing.
Blo follows his teammates down the stairs, and away from the glowing hunk of metal.
"Citizen Spyd! I suggest you double that dosage. The poor boy is clearly deranged. Why else would he attempt to shoot at a fellow Troubleshooter?"
At the bottom of the stairs, the team sees a trio of apparently disabled scrubbots tangled in a heap, a Green-level citizen lying unconscious next to the stairs with a sizeable lump on his forehead, and writing scorched into the wall.
"Ohh! A chance to expand our literacy skills!"
ArrMatee is torn. While investigating the scene would no doubt prove fascinating, the team clearly has a need to locate water for the radioactively-powered exo-suit. He looks to the Team Leader for guidance, like any loyal Citizen would.
"Your orders, Team Leader?" he asks.
"What the heck happened here?" Shoot-O growls.
He reads the blackened writing on the wall. He glances at Blo-R quickly, then at the hottorch, then fixes a suspicious gaze on ArrMatee.
"You want to try to explain this, Recruit?" Shoot-O asks with a faint tone of menace.
"Certainly, Team Leader!" ArrMatee responds.
"As I stated earlier in my reconnaissance report, which I understand if you missed due to the distraction of having recently opened a sealed door with my assistance, after the lights went out, I heard a disturbance at the bottom of the stairs. I went to observe from a safe distance, and saw a Citizen engaged in suspicious activity! Said Citizen was shooting flames from his hands at one of the walls, Team Leader, and said Citizen did not have a Yellow band to mark himself as a Registered Mutant! I yelled really loudly at what I presumed to be a no-good, stinking Mutant (no offense, Citizen Blo), which apparently surprised him. He ran towards the stairs to come after me but, due to his surprise, stumbled horribly and hit his head, after which he stopped moving. I then immediately proceeded to the top of the stairs to locate my Team, Team Leader!"
[spoiler]See this page (http://freedomreborn.net/archive/index.php?topic=43068.390) for the original recon report.[/spoiler]
"Okay, we're gonna have a debriefing session --later. Let's find water before that exoskeleton irradiates the entire sector," Shoot-O says. "Everybody follow me! ArrMatee, you go first."
Shoot-O points at the door at the base of the stairwell, where you all came in at.
ArrMatee dutifully exits the door first, as ordered.
Does anyone stay in the stairwell for any reason? Note that the light source is leaving. If I don't hear anything in short order, I will assume not.
Spyd is unsuccessfully trying to persuade Spam to take his medicine, with Blo cheering Spyd on. Numb (unless I hear otherwise) is following Shoot-O (or at least the light) wherever he goes.
The Green level is still unconscious on the floor, but now shows signs of stirring. Shoot-O is not looking in that direction and does not notice. (Neither does ArrMatee) The three deactivated scrubbots are still sprawled in a heap.
"I really can't fathom why you don't want your morale-officer-prescribed medication, Spam! Could it be that you doubt the computer's veracity in appointing me to this role?"
Quote from: gdaybloke on November 02, 2007, 10:54:19 AM
"I really can't fathom why you don't want your morale-officer-prescribed medication, Spam! Could it be that you doubt the computer's veracity in appointing me to this role?"
"*I* don't think he trusts the Computer, Citizen Spyd. That sounds very much like the behavior of a traitor, to me."
Shoot-O pauses in the doorway and turns around, his face shadowed in the dim light behind him.
"The Computer didn't give out the assignments," he says in a tone of rumbling menace. "I did. Would someone like to take issue with that?"
Spam:
[spoiler]You're starting to feel a bit woozy and light-headed. Must be the meds Spyd already shoved down your throat are starting to kick in.[/spoiler]
"What medicines have you been giving me, Spyd?" I ask, starting to fumble a bit, as I grab my head, feeling woozy.
"Nothing more than those assigned to me, as manufactured by the good, loyal clones we met earlier. Any dizziness you're feeling must be either intentional, or a genetic deficiency of your own!"
Quote from: gdaybloke on November 05, 2007, 07:27:51 AM
"Nothing more than those assigned to me, as manufactured by the good, loyal clones we met earlier. Any dizziness you're feeling must be either intentional, or a genetic deficiency of your own!"
"Well surely it's not me... it had to have been your medicine... and why does everything suddenly feel all dizzy...?"
Briefly interrupting the byplay between Spam and Spyd...
You have finally all straggled out into the corridor at the bottom of the stairwell. Everything is dark, except what the hottorch's flame can illuminate.
Five clones of various security levels (IR, R, O) are huddled together, rocking and moaning. The sudden appearance of the light has startled them.
"Excuse me, Citizens!" exclaims ArrMatee, as he approached the five startled clones huddled together.
"Could any of you direct us to the nearest source of water on this level? The prompt restoration of power to this sector depends on it!"
Technically, this isn't a lie, he muses to himself. Since power won't be promptly restored if a nuclear meltdown occurs...
Their time in absoute darkness seems to have caused severe psychological damage to these clones, none of whom have never before experienced such a thing.
"Luh-Light." stammers one of the Red Citizens, his eyes strangely fixed on the light of the hottorch. "L-Light." he says again, this time rising and reaching out a hand toward the hottorch.
"Light. Light." moan the other clones, the light of the hottorch burning in their eyes. They begin to get to their feet.
"Uh-oh," says Shoot-O, "I have a bad feeling about this..."
ArrMatee starts backpedaling, rapidly.
"Happiness Officer!" he calls out. These poor clones need emergency medication - immediately!"
"Light! Light! LIGHT! GET LIGHT!" the clones voices rise to a shriek as they scramble forward toward ArrMatee.
Hopefully, ArrMatee manages to get behind the Happiness Officer. As well as his other teammates.
Be that as it may, however...
ArrMatee turns off the hottorch. And then moves against a wall.
[spoiler]While these odd citizens are advancing and showing such an interest in the light, I will have a scan to see if I can obtain a spare light from any of my fellow troubleshooters (if one is available, hanging from someone's belt or in a pocket for example) and, if I can obtain one, I throw it into the middle of the mob.[/spoiler]
Quote from: The Phantom Eyebrow on November 06, 2007, 11:40:24 AM
[spoiler]While these odd citizens are advancing and showing such an interest in the light, I will have a scan to see if I can obtain a spare light from any of my fellow troubleshooters (if one is available, hanging from someone's belt or in a pocket for example) and, if I can obtain one, I throw it into the middle of the mob.[/spoiler]
Numb:[spoiler]Nope. The only source of light seems to be ArrMatee's hottorch.[/spoiler]
Everything goes dark. Absolutely pitch dark.
"LIGHT!" scream the clones with rage. From the sound of it, they seem to be shuffling and stumbling forward, trying to find the light.
Spyd:
[spoiler]You sense danger![/spoiler]
Everyone,
Unless you have any (ahem!) bright ideas, you're going to be grappling in the dark with temporarily insane clones. Declare your actions, please, if you haven't done so already.
[spoiler]I wait until (hopefully) the group of temporarily insane clones moves past me, since I'm flat up against the wall. Then I turn around and use the hottorch to set an insane clone's head on fire. If it sounds like an insane clone is coming towards me, however, I'll switch plans to simply aim the hottorch at his head, and fire.
Note: I plan to distinguish my teammates from the other insane clones by virtue of the fact that the other insane clones seem to be screaming out, "LIGHT!"[/spoiler]
Quote from: BlueBard on November 12, 2007, 08:49:05 AM
Everyone,
Unless you have any (ahem!) bright ideas, you're going to be grappling in the dark with temporarily insane clones. Declare your actions, please, if you haven't done so already.
[spoiler]Seeing as there is little that Numb can contribute in a free-for-all with insane clones, he will attempt to back up as much as possible, to try and put others between him and the hoarde. [/spoiler]
Numb calls out to his fellow Troubleshooters "These clones have been living in the dark for so long that their other senses are probably highly sensitive by way of compensation. Does the PA system / Boombox thingy still work? They'll likely be much more sensitive to uncomfortable non-visual stimulii than we are... sounds, smells and the like!"
Ah, bit of clarification... These clones have only been in the dark since all of the power in the vicinity went out. In other words, they've only been in the dark as long as you have. They're just not psychologically sturdy enough to deal with the concept of absolute darkness.
Being a Troubleshooter, your psyche is strong enough to cope with such things. Theoretically.
Just for a bit of further clarification, we're still in the main corridor, correct? How wide is the corridor, and how far behind us (and on which side of the corridor) is the vacated stairwell?
[spoiler]Since I should be in the back of the group (I think), I'll just let everyone else just take care of those guys. Hopefully, everyone can take care of them, and I won't have to do a thing... of course I am worried about the dark, and where they might be...[/spoiler]
Quote from: Panther_Gunn on November 12, 2007, 02:53:10 PM
Just for a bit of further clarification, we're still in the main corridor, correct? How wide is the corridor, and how far behind us (and on which side of the corridor) is the vacated stairwell?
You are in a corridor at the lower level of the stairwell. This corridor is meant for human and light-duty bot traffic only, so it is not as wide as a main corridor would be, but it is not particularly narrow, either.
Since the light is out, you're working from memory. The corridor is about 5 meters wide. You just exited the stairwell, so it is (more or less) immediately behind you. If you're intending to retreat into the stairwell you'll have to locate the door handle, but that shouldn't be too hard. Whether or not you can find the door handle and get through it before you are attacked may be another matter. And you already know that there's nowhere to go once you're trapped in the stairwell...
Because of the darkness, any movement may be hampered by disorientation. None of you know exactly where you are in relation to the stairwell, each other, or anything else. Intelligence checks, perseverance, and sheer dumb luck may overcome this to some degree.
And, just in case it has escaped anyone up until now, no equipment that relies on electrical power is currently working. ArrMatee's hottorch is lit by spark and that does seem to work, so you're mystified as to why nothing works. You have no idea how far this effect extends. As you might imagine in such a high-tech closed environment as Beta Complex, this is fairly disasterous. The normal airflow through the corridor has decreased considerably, if indeed there is still any airflow at all.
Well, enough stalling...
You all hear scuffling in the darkness, shouts of surprise, and grunts of pain...
Blo-R:
[spoiler]You are attacked. No idea by whom. You grapple with your attacker and you both fall down.[/spoiler]
Spyd-R:
[spoiler]You are attacked. You manage to sidestep, however. Your attacker stumbles past you and falls.[/spoiler]
...I'll decide whether to keep this going through the holidays depending on responses.
To Recap:
DTH Sector has been plunged into Total Darkness by a power failure in the middle of a training mission. This inexplicable (*ahem*) power failure has affected even the battery packs in personal equipment. The sheer magnitude of this disaster is yet to be discovered.
When last we left our intrepid band of Troubleshooter recruits, they encountered a band of mentally deranged Citizens who were driven temporarily insane from exposure to Total Darkness. These deranged Citizens have attacked the Troubleshooters in an attempt to gain control of ArrMatee-R's hottorch, the only light source available.
"L-l-l-iiiight! G-get Liiiiight!" they moan.
Even now, the team is grappling with their attackers in Total Darkness... and at least one of the Troubleshooters is of highly questionable sanity.
"AHHH! They're going to kill us and eat our brains!" Spam-R cries out in panic.
GM: We'll give it a try... inactive players will be run as NPC's for the time being. Let the game begin... again!
By The Computer's Motherboard, but this is surely a tight spot!
[spoiler]Numb continues to attempt to execute his previous plan, i.e. he will attempt to back up as much as possible, to try and put others between him and the hoarde. If he can find a handle to a door or an equivalent means of exiting from this dingy corridor, then all so much the better[/spoiler]
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]You are knocked bodily to the ground by someone who charged into you. Your hottorch is knocked out of your hand and clatters to the floor. [Failed Dex check, sorry...] [/spoiler]
Numb:
[spoiler]You quickly locate the door through which you exited the stairwell. However, you know that is a dead end and you could be trapped if you retreat there. You continue to back away. Your heel strikes something small that clatters across the floor.[/spoiler]
(OOG: Ah, the issues with playing a character who isn't physically inclined...)
GM:
[spoiler]Well, let's see if I can turn this into a problem that my bluffing skills can solve! Your description said that I was knocked down by someone who charged into me, but did not say that my attacker was on top of me. I take this to imply that I am on the floor, but can get back up.
My plan is to have ArrMatee scramble back up, hopefully against a wall, and to bring out his bullhorn. (Which, if I am correct, doesn't require electrical power.) Using the vocal magnification properties of the bullhorn, ArrMatee plans to snarl and then growl, "GRRRR... GONNA EAT YER BRAINS!!!"
With any luck, this will scare the deranged Citizens into running away. Probably Spam as well, but ArrMatee considers that to be an acceptable loss.[/spoiler]
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]Whoever hit you isn't holding you down... you're actually not sure where they went.
Unfortunately, you have one of those electronic bullhorns so no, it doesn't work. This makes your bluff far less impressive as you might imagine.
You are correct on one score, however...[/spoiler]
You all hear ArrMatee-R shout this: "Grrr... Gonna eat yer brains!!!"
At which point you hear Spam-R shout: "See! I told youuuu...!" as he runs off into the deep darkness.
ArrMatee curses loudly, but then tries to use the moment to his advantage.
"Confound it!" he shouts. "Spam-R had the backup light, and now he's running away!"
[spoiler]Yes, this is another Bluff check, and hopefully a more reasonable one. Let's see if this gets those Citizens to pursue a moving target.[/spoiler]
"Geeetttt Liiiiight!" the deranged Citizens howl in outrage.
There is the sound of stampeding feet, bodies careening off walls, cries of pain, scrabbling around, and general chaos and confusion.
Spyd:
[spoiler]You narrowly avoid being trampled.[/spoiler]
The spine-tingling howls begin to recede into the distance.
"Good thinking, Recruit," Shoot-O says. "Whichever one you are. Once those clones are out of earshot, let's get a little light in here."
At this juncture, and with the deranged denizens retreat into the darkness, Numb feels he can safely search the floor for any sign of the small item his heel struck. And (indeed) he does so. Search, that is.
OOG: Finally! Got away from everybody long enough so I can hear myself think to properly post.
IG: [spoiler]Blo will attempt to push his attacker off of him, hoping to roll them in the direction of the fleeing Citizens, so that he can scuttle his way down the wall away from them, and get to at least a crouching position. [/spoiler]
Clarification: Blo-R, your attacker left with the other deranged Citizens.
Quote from: BlueBard on January 04, 2008, 05:56:56 PM
Clarification: Blo-R, your attacker left with the other deranged Citizens.
I had guessed as much, but wanted to make sure, just in case. Will continue with the rest of my action, to help get my bearings.
In the dark, ArrMatee makes a soft yelp that trails off into a whimper, and then silence.
"Apologies, team," he says after a brief moment. "Must have run into something. I'll keep talking quietly so that you know where I am as I search, okay? And... arr.... maybe my fellow Trainee Troubleshooters could do the same, so I don't bump into them? Arr?"
ArrMatee proceeds to carefully crouch to the floor in search of the fallen hottorch.
Numb-R:
[spoiler]You observe the human-shaped blob of reddish glow that identified itself as ArrMatee-R get down on his hands and knees and feel around for something. (See PM if you need clarification on this...)[/spoiler]
An idea comes to ArrMatee as he searches fruitlessly along the floor.
"Team?" he calls out quietly. "I've an idea. I've got a couple of meters of Plasticord here. If two of us stretch it out along the length of this corridor and start dragging it along the floor, we should feel or hear something when it catches up to the hottorch."
ArrMatee pauses.
"Presumin' that our other Teammates don't stand in front of the Plasticord as it's bein' dragged, o' course."
ArrMatee starts digging through his belongings for the Plasticord.
"Someone speak up if you want to help me implement this idea, okay?"
"Are you saying you lost the torch?" Shoot-O growls.
Suddenly, a voice pipes up in the darkness...
"Hey, what does this button do?"
(Numb activates the object he has found)
From somewhere not exactly nearby, Blo speaks up: "I would be happy to assist you, citizen ArrMatee, in locating our only light source that you seem to have lost. I'm sure that is exactly what the Computer would want. Keep talking, and I will attempt to make my way over to you."
GM: [spoiler]Blo will slowly stand up against the wall, and attempt to determine ArrMatee's location by the sound of his voice. If he seems to be on the other side of the hallway, Blo will *slowly* cross over at a right angle, carefully sliding one foot out in front of the other, just above the surface of the floor, to make sure he doesn't trip over something. If his foot strikes anything (other than the opposite wall), he will crouch down for a tactile examination of the obstruction. Once he seems to be on the same side as ArrMatee, he will walk along the wall towards him in the same manner, with one hand always on the wall.[/spoiler]
The hottorch suddenly lights the corridor. Numb-R is holding the hottorch.
The sudden light hurts everyone's eyes, but you quickly adjust.
"Ah, well, I suppose that takes care of that. Good job finding the torch, Citizen Numb. I'm sure that you must have stumbled on it randomly in the dark, because only a Traitor would have taken it from Citizen ArrMatee on purpose." :D
"Did anyone take an injury from our poor, deranged fellow Citizens?"
Spyd-R squeals like a schoolgirl and shoves himself against the nearest wall he can find
"Problem solved!" says ArrMatee brightly. "Shall I carry the hottorch, or do you have a preferred Citizen in mind, Citizen Shoot-O-LOT?"
Quote from: Viking on January 08, 2008, 03:09:24 PM
"Problem solved!" says ArrMatee brightly. "Shall I carry the hottorch, or do you have a preferred Citizen in mind, Citizen Shoot-O-LOT?"
"Who signed for it?" Shoot-O asks pointedly.
"I filled out the requisition forms and it was issued to me," answers ArrMatee truthfully.
Quote from: Viking on January 09, 2008, 07:50:42 AM
"I filled out the requisition forms and it was issued to me," answers ArrMatee truthfully.
"So you're responsible for it, Recruit," Shoot-O glares. "You're lucky Numb-R here found it for you. You would have been fined for it if you had lost it."
Shoot-O changes the subject.
"Now. Let's get some water in that exoskeleton."
Quote from: BlueBard on January 09, 2008, 08:32:52 AM
"So you're responsible for it, Recruit," Shoot-O glares. "You're lucky Numb-R here found it for you. You would have been fined for it if you had lost it."
* As soon as Shoot-O turns away, Numb sticks his tongue out at ArrMatee in a mature gesture of empathy. *
Blo will glance worriedly over towards Spyd-R, to see if he's still in some form of distress.
Undaunted by Shoot-O's glare or Numb-R's gesture of maturity, ArrMatee-R goes to retrieve his hottorch from Numb-R.
"Ready to move out on your orders, Team Leader," he says brightly.
To make an exceedingly long story short, you manage to locate a lavatory with running water not too far distant from the stairwell. Using the thermoses that Blo-R thoughtfully insisted on requisitioning, you manage to transport a small amount of water back to the exoskeleton. The exoskeleton's steam chamber is quite hot to the touch, causing you to worry more than a little bit about radiation exposure. But since there's not much you can do about that, you push those thoughts to the back of your minds.
After putting in the water, the exoskeleton functions again... albeit sluggishly. The heat coming off the thing is nearly unbearable to the wearer (ArrMatee). You'll need to revisit the lavatory in order to top off the water tank.
ArrMatee grunts and pants with cheerful effort as he negotiates the sluggishly-functioning exo-skeleton down the stairs.
"I'm not complaining or anything, Team Leader," he calls out. "But this exo-skeleton doesn't travel very fast - especially without a full tank of water. Should we all proceed back to the lavatory together? Or should we send a group of Troubleshooters ahead with the hottorch and the thermoses? Or, should we park the exo-skeleton at the foot of the stairs and all run back to the lavatory for more water? Or... um... whatever your orders arrrr, sir?"
"Whatever," Shoot-O growls. "It's on the way to our next stop, so we might as well."
He addresses the entire team: "Everybody keep on the lookout for a working power source!"
If anyone requires time to do anything sneaky and underhanded before or after the pit stop at the lavatory, speak up!
(OOG: Sorry about the delay in posting...)
While neither sneaky nor underhanded, Blo does plan on making sure that all of the thermoses are full before we leave the lavatory.
"Very attentive and thoughtful of you, Citizen Blo!" says ArrMatee. "I commend you for the foresight in filling the thermoses in anticipation of when we will next need to refuel the exoskeleton!"
For what it's worth, ArrMatee has his own personally-requisitioned thermos, which he will also keep filled with water.
But he's not doing anything underhanded or sneaky. Nope. A forthright, honest, and loyal Citizen, is ArrMatee. Yep!
Spyd pokes the ground in front of him with the toe of his shoe, in case it's trapped
Nope. No traps.
You make it to the lavatory without incident, fill the thermoses, and follow Shoot-O to the next stop on your training agenda.
You find yourselves in a long, narrow room. There is a counter near the door that extends the width of the room. The room extends out into the darkness beyond the range of ArrMatee's hottorch.
"This is the holographic shooting range," Shoot-O informs you. "Looks like there's no power here, either. Oh, well. Everybody fit your laser pistols with the training barrels."
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]A quick look at your hottorch indicates that the compressed fuel is about half gone.[/spoiler]
"Allow me to demonstrate," Shoot-O says. He pulls out his own laser pistol, points downrange, and yells, "ZAP!" There is no discharge from his weapon. He holsters the laser pistol. "As you can see, I've shot my target dead center. You'll need to hit two out of three targets to qualify. Proceed."
"An incredible shot, Team Leader!" exclaims ArrMatee enthusiastically. "I look forward to learning appropriate technique from such an expert marksman!"
ArrMatee falls briefly silent as he proceeds to check and change the barrels to his laser pistol, despite being utterly certain that it won't have any effect. Style over substance, after all.
"Status report, Team Leader!" he calls out as he finishes changing laser barrels. "The hottorch fuel is approximately half-depleted! Just wanted you to know, sir!"
With that, he carefully aims his pistol downrange and calls out, "ZAP!" as he pulls the trigger.
Spyd cocks an eyebrow, but does as told.
"No, no, Arrmatee, aim for the centre - like this! ZAP!"
ArrMatee nods in comprehension. "Aha! I see, Citizen Spyd-R! Adjusting like this, yes? ZAP!"
"Nice shooting," Shoot-O mutters encouragingly. "Come on, Recruits... Take your shots. I haven't got all daycycle to wait for you to shoot."
"Equipment Guy, might as well turn off the hottorch for now. Nobody's going to need, um, heat, to shoot anyway."
Zap! Zap!
"Good, Troubleshooter Spyd-R. You qualify," Shoot-O nods. "The rest of you slime-eaters better hustle! When De-Briefing time comes, you better be able to say that you completed every phase of your training mission... Got it?"
"ZAP!" calls out ArrMatee, finishing his third shot at the final holographic target. He then clicks off the hottorch as per Shoot-O's instructions, so as to conserve power.
Blo unholsters his weapon and takes aim down range. "ZAP! Take that, Commie." He readjusts his aim. "ZAP! One less mutant to trouble the all-wise Computer." Shifting his stance slightly, he aims once more down the range. "ZAP!! No traitors get past Blo-R-UPP!" Blo then reholsters the pistol, and awaits further orders.
(GM taking control for a bit...)
"Zap! Zap! Zap!" shouts Numb-R.
(Okay, I'm done!)
"Great," Shoot-O says. "Aside from that cowardly deserter, you all pass. Congratulations."
GM Note:
Everyone who participated in this 'target practice' gets Training:Chutzpah at Terrible. ArrMatee, Spyd, and Blo also get Acting skill at Terrible. Those skill levels can be elevated later.
If anyone is taking advantage of the darkness to pull any underhanded tricks, PM me ASAP.
"Hurrah!" cheers ArrMatee enthusiastically in the darkness. "Congratulations, my fellow teammates!"
ArrMatee scrambles to be the first to have his equipment gathered and ready to move out to the next training exercise, flicking on the hottorch so that we can see where we're going.
Spyd salutes in the direction he assumes Shoot-O to be, since it's dark.
ArrMatee suddenly ignites the hottorch, eliciting cries of "Oooh! That's bright!" as it dispels the darkness.
"Follow me, Recruits," Shoot-O says. "Now comes the fun part."
Shoot-O leads you down darkened corridors to a large room full of boxes and crates.
"I couldn't reserve an A.T.T.R*," he explains, "so I got permission to use this warehouse instead. We were going to play a tactical game of 'Capture the Flag' to introduce you clones to battlefield tactics, but without live training weapons we can't do much. Especially not in the darkness."
"However," he continues, "it does allow me to teach you a little something about effective use of resources. Everybody start checking boxes and crates and see if there's anything in here we can use."
* A.T.T.R. stands for Advanced Tactical Training Room. The 'A' sometimes also refers to 'Armored'. Or 'Armageddon'. You clones don't know much about them, but rumor has it that trainees have a tendency to go through lots of clones in an A.T.T.R.
ArrMatee would feel like a kid on Christmas morning, if he knew what treasonous words like "kid" and "Christmas" meant.
He makes sure to get out of the exo-skeleton for the purposes of searching through crates, as he doesn't want to be smashing things left and right - especially if they're useful.
"Yes, SIR!" he responds enthusiastically, and sets to work looking through crates. Making use of his tools and knowledge of PLC storage procedures to help open them if necessary.
Nothing is labeled clearly... the labels only show barcodes.
Everyone has a choice of what kind of container they open, one per post: Large and Small Boxes and Large and Small Crates.
The Crates will require some sort of tools to open (basically anything that can act as a pry bar or remove nails), while the Boxes can be opened with any reasonably sharp implement or torn open if need be.
ArrMatee... what kind of container will you open?
Spyd, fully aware of his limitations, starts with a small box.
Quote from: gdaybloke on January 17, 2008, 10:47:58 AM
Spyd, fully aware of his limitations, starts with a small box.
Spyd:[spoiler]You open a small box that contains 20 small cartridges that you, in your capacity as a Media specialist and despite the poor lighting, recognize as film for a camera.[/spoiler]
Shoot-O opens a small box.
"Goggles," he mutters in disgust.
ArrMatee starts with a small crate, given that he has a screwdriver with which to help pry off the lid.
Spyd slips his findings into a pocket, and looks into a larger box
Blo will attempt to use the pin from one of the "I Love The Computer" buttons as a cutting/tearing device and attempt to open one of the larger boxes. If that fails, he'll try using a belt buckle.
Quote from: Viking on January 17, 2008, 12:04:58 PM
ArrMatee starts with a small crate, given that he has a screwdriver with which to help pry off the lid.
ArrMatee:[spoiler]Orange pencils. More than you can count.[/spoiler]
Quote from: gdaybloke on January 17, 2008, 02:35:46 PM
Spyd slips his findings into a pocket, and looks into a larger box
Spyd:[spoiler]This large box contains 10 smaller boxes, each of which contain 25 small bags of Algae chips.[/spoiler]
Quote from: Panther_Gunn on January 17, 2008, 10:25:01 PM
Blo will attempt to use the pin from one of the "I Love The Computer" buttons as a cutting/tearing device and attempt to open one of the larger boxes. If that fails, he'll try using a belt buckle.
The pin works fine as a box opener, more or less.
Blo:[spoiler]The box contains a large roll of... bubble wrap! You feel a strong urge to start popping bubbles.[/spoiler]
"I found a box of nails," Numb-R says helpfully.
"Matches!" shouts Shoot-O in triumph after ripping open a small box. "Now that's more like it!" Shoot-O grabs a few of the small matchboxes and starts shoving them into pockets.
ArrMatee, are you going to continue to focus on small crates?
Spyd and Blo, are you going to stick to opening large boxes?
"I found a bunch of Orange pencils that are beyond my security clearance, Sir!" pipes up ArrMatee. "Feel free to take any if you think they may be useful, Sir!"
ArrMatee will open one more small crate, after which he'll be tempted into starting on the large crates.
ArrMatee opens another small crate.
"Wellmph," says Spyd through a mouthful of algae chips, "I've phound our rationshmph, shir!"
Quote from: gdaybloke on January 18, 2008, 10:00:02 AM
"Wellmph," says Spyd through a mouthful of algae chips, "I've phound our rationshmph, shir!"
"Good work, Recruit!" Shoot-O answers as he tears open another small box. "I found keychains. Anyone else find something useful?"
"Oh," responds ArrMatee. "I only found a crate full of grenades."
"Grenades!?" Shoot-O exclaims. "Let me see those!" Shoot-O hurries over and examines them by the light of the hottorch.
"High explosive," he says. "We certainly don't need those for training exercises. But... the way things are now, maybe I'll take a couple of those for 'insurance'."
"Should I presume that you do not want any of us Trainees to be carrying any of these grenades?" asks ArrMatee innocently. "Purely as a tactical observation, I imagine that anyone using the Exo-Skeleton would be capable of hurling a grenade far further than another teammate. Should that become necessary."
ArrMatee has made a point of leaving Shoot-O with full jurisdiction over the box of grenades, and is now busily working on opening a large crate. He's doing his best to whistle to the tune of the Happiness Officer's last morale-enhancing composition. (i.e., to the tune of "Waltzing Matilda")
From off to the side, Blo mutters (not completely) to himself: "ooh!"
[spoiler]Bubbles....so tantalizing....must not pop around instructor with itchy trigger finger....must...resist...[/spoiler]
"*sigh*". He slowly closes up the box, "Nothing useful here, Citizen Shoot-O."
Blo will then open another large box, but thinking that maybe all the good stuff is in the crates & small boxes.
* Numb starts to categorise the nails into neat sets of nine, then opens another small box *
"No!" Shoot-O shouts at ArrMatee-R. "I mean, no, I do NOT want any trainees carrying explosive grenades. I know for a fact none of you have ever completed the necessary combat training. I'll just... take a couple extra more..."
Blo-R, you open a large box and...
[spoiler]Find it full of more grenades. You'd estimate somewhere around 100 of them. You're not sure what kind of grenade they are, though.[/spoiler]
Numb-R, it's going to take quite a while to sort out the nails. You're not sure how many there are, but more than a hundred. If you'd prefer to stop and open another box let me know.
Arr-Matee-R, you attack (figuratively) a large crate. Inside, you find a large canister of compressed fuel...
[spoiler]You recognize it as the kind of replaceable fuel canister that would power a portable generator or an ATV intended to operate Outdoors.[/spoiler]
Meanwhile, Shoot-O has opened another box. "Great!" He pulls out a field telephone. "We should be able to plug this into an emergency comm panel and talk to HQ!"
Brushing off his hands, Spyd checks out another couple of small boxes.
Quote from: gdaybloke on January 21, 2008, 08:43:36 AM
Brushing off his hands, Spyd checks out another couple of small boxes.
Spyd-R, you open a box. (PM on the way...)
"I found a fuel canister of some sort!" announces ArrMatee, before moving on to another large crate.
ArrMatee, you open another large crate. A pile of sturdy hiking boots falls out.
[spoiler]On closer examination, they're all Righties.[/spoiler]
"Excellent! I just need to find the corresponding crate filled with hiking boots for the left foot, and we'll have additional footgear options!"
With that, ArrMatee moves onto the next nearest crate.
Looking up from his box, Blo calls out: "ummmm.....exactly what does a grenade look like, Citizen Shoot-O?"
Quote from: Panther_Gunn on January 22, 2008, 01:48:06 AM
Looking up from his box, Blo calls out: "ummmm.....exactly what does a grenade look like, Citizen Shoot-O?"
"You found more grenades?" Shoot-O asks eagerly. He hurries over to examine your find.
"Excellent! Tear gas grenades! Completely non-lethal. We can use these for training. Everybody grab one. But if anyone sets one off near me, I'll shove one of the other kind down their jumpsuit. Got it?"
Sir, yes sir!
Spyd strolls over, grabs a couple, then goes back to looking at boxes.
ArrMatee will follow suit by grabbing a few tear gas grenades. Does he notice any difference between what a tear gas grenade looks like and a high explosive grenade looks like?
After that, he goes back to opening a big crate.
Quote from: Viking on January 22, 2008, 12:49:58 PM
ArrMatee will follow suit by grabbing a few tear gas grenades. Does he notice any difference between what a tear gas grenade looks like and a high explosive grenade looks like?
After that, he goes back to opening a big crate.
Slightly different configuration and markings. But to the untrained eye, they're both grenades.
Shoot-O goes wild-eyed as you and Spyd-R grab for grenades.
"I said ONE!" he shouts in exasperation. However, he doesn't order you to put them back and turns to open another box while shaking his head.
Spyd-R opens another small box:
[spoiler]...And finds a camera to go with his film. All he needs now is a way to charge the battery. Also, another PM on the way...[/spoiler]
ArrMatee opens a large crate and finds it carefully packed full of what appears to be cone rifle ammunition. You fervently hope they aren't the TacNuke variety.
Shoot-O turns his attention to the larger boxes. "Sweet!" he exclaims. "Tangler gun ammo! Now if I can just find a gun..."
"Cone rifle ammunition here, sir!" announces ArrMatee. "I'll rely on your expert experience as to what form of damaging payload it provides, sir!"
GM:
[spoiler]Has this all been in the grand dysfunctional Paranoia tradition of these boxes and crates being seemingly randomly distributed? Or does there appear to be any logic by which one might assess where one might find weapons to fire these different forms of ammunition?[/spoiler]
Shoot-O looks at the rounds. "No clue. The ordinance guys are usually dressed in decon suits when the TacNukes are around, that's how I usually know. Just... don't touch 'em."
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]You work in PLC and expect there to be a system? The only system is putting stuff where it fits with a minimum amount of effort and thought. That's what bar code readers are for. Too bad you don't have one...[/spoiler]
Blo will take one of the Tear Gas grenades, as instructed, putting it into his backpack (into a seperate pocket if there's one available), and then move on to open a small box.
Blo-R:
You find what appears to be...
[spoiler]50 short cylinders of shiny brass. Each has a cone-shaped rounded tip on one end and flat on the other end. There are no markings to indicate what these might be used for. Good luck charms, maybe?[/spoiler]
Spyd-R:
[spoiler]You feel your time is beginning to run out.[/spoiler]
Numb-R opens a small box. "Oooh! I found a gun of some sort!"
Shoot-O rushes over. "Great work, Recruit! I'll take charge of this!" He promptly loads the weapon with one of the previously discovered tangler gun cartridges and sticks it in his holster in place of one of his other handguns. He tucks the extra handgun under his belt.
Quickly checking one more box for the third component, Spyd says "We should probably get moving soon, Sir! I've grabbed some rations, and am pretty much about as ready to roll as I can be!"
ArrMatee, upon hearing the urgency in Spyd's voice, quickly straps himself into the exo-skeleton.
"Spyd-R's probably right, Sir!" he calls out. "I mean, it's only a matter of time before other desperate clones come barging into this place too, right?"
Spyd:
You open one more small box and find...
[spoiler]Another gun like the one Shoot-O found.[/spoiler]
"What's the hurry?" Shoot-O says, opening another box. "Huh. This one's full of flat boxes with weird pictures on them. Some masked guy in a blue and white outfit on the front. I wonder what the heck 'Freedom Force VS. The 3rd Reich' is supposed to mean? I bet it's something subversive. We should destroy 'em."
"I guess I'm just anxious to get on to the next stage of training sir! When do we get to use these?" asks Spyd lifting a gun out of the box he was examining.
"Excellent! Another tangler gun! If we can find a few more of those, we can do a real training exercise!"
Just then, you all hear the sound of not-too-distant voices.
"Or maybe not," Shoot-O says. "Everybody hide! Equipment Guy, put out that light!"
Spyd-R, Shoot-O tosses you a tangler cartridge for your gun.
ArrMatee dutifully turns off the hottorch, after making sure that he has positioned himself behind a big crate.
Spyd crouches behind his boxes, trying to simultaneously load the cartridge into the gun
ArrMatee-R and Shoot-O hide behind big crates. Spyd-R, Blo-R, and Numb-R hide behind piles of boxes. Then the light goes out.
The voices get closer. A door on the other side of the warehouse opens. Several men in dark clothing and carrying crude torches step through.
"Here it is!" one of the men says. Each of the men appear to have bandoliers of grenades slung across their chests.
"Find stuff we can use, then we'll blow the place up," the man says.
ArrMatee-R chose to hide behind a big, heavy crate for a reason. He's wearing the steam-powered exo-skeleton. Which is good at lifting heavy stuff.
ArrMatee doesn't say anything. He just picks up the big heavy crate, and hurls it at the biggest concentration of clones in dark clothing with torches.
The large crate sails through the air and smashes into the mob of traitors. Some of them manage to avoid being squished, but a couple of them are going to leave a nasty stain for the scrubbots to clean. The crate bursts open, burying the bodies under boots and debris.
"PURGE the Unbelievers! Death to the Computer!" the survivors shout, as they pluck grenades off their bandoliers...
ArrMatee-R-RRR pulls out one of his own Tear Gas Grenades and pulls the pin, calling out, "Purge THIS, ye scallywags! ARRRRR!!!!"
The last piratical exclamation is punctuated by tossing the grenade at one of the centermost traitors.
Making an effort NOT to give his position away, Spyd lobs a grenade into the mob of filthy communist traitors
GM:( {sigh} At least I have two active posters...)
ArrMatee-R cries out "Purge THIS, ye scallywags! ARRRRR!!!!"
Both he and Spyd-R lob their grenades more or less simultaneously. I'll get back to that shortly.
A traitor is suddenly entangled in sticky threads right before he is able to throw his grenade.
Spyd-R:
[spoiler]You sense imminent danger, presumably from grenades being thrown in your general direction. You instinctively dive for better cover.[/spoiler]
Then a bunch of things happen all at once...
The entangled traitor's grenade detonates, along with secondary detonations from the grenades still on his person. "BOOM! BOOM-BOOM-BOOM!"
Four other grenades lobbed in ArrMatee's general direction also detonate. "BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!"
The large crate ArrMatee is crouched behind sacrifices itself to save him as it is blown apart. Many other crates and boxes are also oblierated, fortunately without further incendiary effect. The force of the blast knocks ArrMatee down.
The brilliant and deafening explosions momentarily disorient everyone still standing. When your vision clears, you see that the warehouse is semi-lit by several small and smoking fires. Three of the dark-clad traitors managed to avoid being blown to smithereens when their comrade blew up and have taken cover. They are coughing and choking from the tear gas.
As the ringing in your ears subsides, you detect the sound of distant laser and gun fire. And then the cloud of tear gas hits you... everyone is temporarily rendered unable to act.
Then the air clears...
Through bleary eyes, Spyd surveys the scene before him.
*cough*
*wheeze*
"arrr...."
ArrMatee-R-RRR concentrates on getting back up, since the exo-skeleton is a bulky thing, indeed. He'll then move to another area where the crates are less obliterated, focusing on getting cover.
Shoot-O recovers from the gassing and shoots at another traitor with the tangler, but misses due to an ill-timed cough.
ArrMatee, you manage to get rolled over and on your hands and knees with some difficulty.
Spyd-R:
[spoiler]You hear shouting, laser fire, and gun fire in the distance. The sounds seem to be getting closer.[/spoiler]
Blo-R and Numb-R are starting to recover from the tear gas. The traitors are also beginning to recover.
Now on his hands and knees, ArrMatee concentrates on getting back up into a standing position behind another large crate.
Having been caught in a situation he was completely unprepared for, Blo paused to receive instructions from his fearless Team Leader and trainer, Shoot-O-LOT. Perhaps that was not the best course of action, he now silently muses to himself, inbetween gasps and retching.
Seeing (however blearily) the way this encounter has gone, Blo will attempt to land his gas grenade near the largest clump of traitors, in an attempt to further stall their actions. After the toss, he will then scramble for the slightly-more-relative safety of some nearby intact, large crates.
[spoiler]Before he changes position, is Blo near/behind any of the boxes he's previously opened?[/spoiler]
Quote from: Panther_Gunn on January 31, 2008, 12:47:29 AM
Having been caught in a situation he was completely unprepared for, Blo paused to receive instructions from his fearless Team Leader and trainer, Shoot-O-LOT. Perhaps that was not the best course of action, he now silently muses to himself, inbetween gasps and retching.
Seeing (however blearily) the way this encounter has gone, Blo will attempt to land his gas grenade near the largest clump of traitors, in an attempt to further stall their actions. After the toss, he will then scramble for the slightly-more-relative safety of some nearby intact, large crates.
[spoiler]Before he changes position, is Blo near/behind any of the boxes he's previously opened?[/spoiler]
Blo-R:[spoiler]Up to you. Depends on how far away he wanted to get from danger. Staying near the previously opened boxes is a bit of a risk. The crate full of cone rifle ammo being one example.[/spoiler]
GM:
[spoiler]This being a hectic firefight, ArrMatee really isn't in a position to be discriminating about what crate he hides behind. Though avoiding the cone rifle ammo would be nice. In the best of all possible worlds, he'd chance upon an unopened large crate, which he could toss at another traitor, thereby making efficient use of his time by opening an unknown crate at the same time.[/spoiler]
ArrMatee scrambles for cover on his hands and knees.
Blo-R hurls his tear gas grenade into the fray and it goes more or less where it's supposed to.
Unfortunately not fast enough to prevent the traitors from throwing their own grenades.
Two of them go wide, one lands in front of the large crate that ArrMatee has just crawled behind. "BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!"
Again the crate saves ArrMatee from being blown to smithereens... unfortunately this crate apparently contained tangler grenades. The grenades detonate and cover ArrMatee head-to-toe in sticky threads, immobilizing him.
The tear gas grenade Blo-R threw goes off, incapacitating the traitors again.
Just at that moment, you all hear screaming voices approaching.
Spyd, panicking, starts throwing small boxes at the traitors.
ArrMatee thanks his lucky stars that he concentrated on getting behind cover. He then thanks his lucky stars that he has the exo-skeleton, which might actually give him a chance of breaking free of the multiple Tangler Grenades. Using the strength of the exo-skeleton, ArrMatee tries to do exactly that, striving mightily against the bonds.
The cloud of tear gas reaches the team. Much coughing and watering of eyes ensues.
"AAAAHHH!" A scream pierces the air as Spam-R charges into the warehouse, closely followed by a pack of terrified Citizens. The tear gas hits the crowd like a brick wall.
*cough-cough-hack-choke-wheeze-cough*
Ventilation being rather poor due to the power outage, the tear gas lingers. However, knowing what to expect now you are able to attempt to take action despite the gassing.
Oh, and everyone -except- Spam-R gets Training:Stamina at Feeble. (Or 1 point toward increasing your existing Training:Stamina score, if any.)
ArrMatee, with some effort, you manage to free an arm.
Just then, a squad of heavily armed Armed Forces grunts charge into the warehouse.
"Kill the Commies! *COUGH! HACK!*"
Guess they don't have gas masks...
With one arm free, ArrMatee attempts to retrieve his knife from his toolbelt, the better to cut away the strands from the Entanglement Grenades. (Thank his lucky stars for having a tool belt!)
Spyd yells "Kill the commies!!!!" and starts firing blindly into the mess of presumed commie traitors. If he runs out of ammo, he starts throwing whatever he can lay his hands on.
ArrMatee manages to reach his tool belt and retrieve his knife. He saws at the hardening tangler threads like a demented violinist.
Spyd shoots his tangler gun at the crowd of gassed Citizens, narrowly missing Spam-R and partially entangling three others.
"Not them!" Shoot-O shouts. "Shoot the grunts!" He tosses a grenade at the Armed Forces grunts.
With his shiney new gun cruelly taken from him... I mean, having loyally contributed to the cause by providing armaments to his group leader, Numb attempts to further aid the cause by hiding behind what cover he can and throwing handfuls of nails (11 to a handful, if you're wondering) out to act as caltrops for the attackers.
(Yes, I know nails are not the most effective caltrop design, but even if they don't impale themselves on the pointy bits (to get all technical for a second), then perhaps the roundyness of the nails might effectively reduce friction, causing them to lose footing or even fall over).
Spyd stops in his tracks, confused.
"They're Armed Forces, sir! They're the good guys, no??"
ArrMatee adds words to his demented violinist's "music," so as to save Shoot-O the trouble of explaining:
"Armed Forces does Seek And Destroy!" he calls out, while furiously sawing through threads. "Do you think they care that we're not Commies?"
"...2...1..."
BOOM!
The grenade Shoot-O threw detonates... obviously one of the explosive variety. It takes out the leading wave of Armed Forces guys and a good many laggard Citizens toward the back.
"Time to go!" Shoot-O shouts, firing his tangler in the direction of the grunts as he makes a fighting withdrawal toward the opposite door.
(ArrMatee, you're almost free; keep sawing!!!)
Saw, saw, saw, FLEX, saw, FLEX, saw, saw, saw, FLEX.....
"But sir! The Armed Forces are good citizens! Any that would actually shoot US would be commie traitor scum! We have nothing to fear!"
Grabbing an open box, Blo scurries for cover of the larger crates. After getting himself behind relative safety, he lifts his head above (or around, if they're too tall) the crates, and addresses the horde of Commies and traitors across the wharehouse. "Throw down your weapons and surrender, traitor scum. If you don't, I will be forced to open fire on you with my highly-experimental Rapid Projectile Launcher!"
Well, the unarmed Citizens that might have scattered as a result of Blo's pronouncement were pretty much already scattered by Shoot-O's grenade. That leaves the remaining traitors and AF grunts to react.
Spyd-R instinctively throws himself behind better cover as the grunts take aim with slugthrowers and lasers.
BANG! ZAP! ZAP! BANG! BANG! ZAP!
Blo manages to duck, but the large crate he's hiding behind is quickly chewed up by slugs and laser beams. Only too late does it dawn on Blo that he's hiding behind the crate containing the cone rifle ammo...
BOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Everyone: You wake up in an Engram-Transfer chair with a splitting headache. Your last memory is being strapped into an Engram-Transfer chair by the docbot. But you are not in the Infirmary and there is a human technician instead of a docbot. Nor do you see the others. Realization slowly dawns... You are an activated clone.
The technician releases you from the chair and tells you in a bored voice, "Report to Briefing Room UR50H053D for Mission Re-Boot."
GM: Based on events (ie Team Wipe), you are hereby directed to 'forget' everything that happened since you all left the Infirmary. Because it never happened to 'you', but to your predecessor. Nor do you at this point have any of the equipment you received previously.
Hey, life sucks when you're a clone, especially in Paranoia. The only real bright spot is that your previously latent mutations are now active. If you can call that a bright spot.
Let me assure you that I randomly rolled to see what was in the crate Blo was hiding behind and it came up Ka-Boom. Who am I to argue with that?
Lest you think that we are basically starting over from scratch, let me assure you that we are not. You will have to deal with the fact that you are an activated clone and that you are basically going to inherit whatever mess your prececessor(s) left you. And it's a pretty big mess. {insert evil GM grin here} You'll appreciate the irony when you get into the Mission Re-Briefing...
If there's anything you want to do before the Mission Re-Boot, post here or PM me.
(PS. That especially means checking in with contacts or acquiring *ahem* non-standard issue gear before the Re-Boot...)
Everyone:
A loudspeaker blares, startling you.
"Attention [Insert Your Name Here]! Please report to Briefing Room UR50H053D without delay!"
"Crap", thinks Spyd-R-Man 2 to himself. "What the heck was number 1 up to?"
Spyd2 slides out of the chair and wanders to the door, wondering which way the briefing room is and whether he'll get the chance to check in with this superiors on the way.
Spyd:
Naturally, you remember the various side-assignments you were given, since the engram transfer happened afterward. What you don't know is what happened to your predecessor during the Training exercises. Perhaps some discrete inquiry before or after the Mission Re-Boot?
In the absence of a lot of activity, I'm moving forward... If there's anything you wanted to do, we can handle it retroactively.
Spyd-R, Blo-R, and Numb-R, you arrive at the briefing room more or less at the same time. Shoot-O is waiting for you. The room is completely empty, save for a Computer Terminal. There are no chairs except the one Shoot-O is sitting in.
"Have a seat, Recruits, while we're waiting for the other two to show up."
Nervously, you sit down on the floor.
After a few minutes, with Shoot-O getting visibly more impatient but saying nothing, you hear a commotion outside the door of the briefing room. The door opens. Spam-R is escorted inside by a pair of Security Bots.
"No-no-no! Don't make me go! They're trying to kill me, I tell you! They're insane! Especially that Shoot-O guy! He --"
Spam-R suddenly notices where he is and who is there. He falls silent. The Security Bots dump him on the floor and quietly take positions just inside the door.
Shoot-O pulls out a Com unit. "Dispatch a pair of SecBots to locate ArrMatee-R," he barks into the com.
Numb-R 2 seems to be VERY disconcerted at this current state of affairs, rocking back and forward slightly and muttering something under his breath about truth being an odd number...
ArrMatee-R rushes in.
"About time!" Shoot-O growls.
ArrMatee salutes sharply.
"Sorry, sir! Won't happen again sir! Ready for Mission Re-Briefing, sir!"
Shoot-O glares at everyone for a moment to make sure they're paying attention, then continues.
"Due to a state of emergency, the training program has been canceled--"
"Yay!" Spam-R interrupts.
"QUIET!" Shoot-O thunders. "As of right now, you are all drafted into the ranks of the Troubleshooters. You have a new assignment. A short time ago, all power was lost in a large portion of DTH sector. Also, every battery-powered device in the area was simultaneously disabled. Troubleshooter HQ has reason to believe that some sort of nuclear device was detonated and that a massive EM pulse caused the power loss. Reports from Armed Forces personnel sent in to repel a possible Commie invasion indicate massive damage and lots of fires."
"Armed Forces is handling the military operations along with every available Troubleshooter team. It is vital that power be restored to the area and that is where you clones come in."
"You are hereby directed to escort a member of Power Services into the danger zone so that they can effect repairs. Spyd-R? You have been assigned as Team Leader."
Shoot-O hands Spyd-R a sealed envelope. "Here are your confidential orders. Get your team outfitted and meet back here ASAP. MOVE!!!"
ArrMatee-R returns a sharp salute to Shoot-O, followed by another salute to Spyd-R.
"Orders, Team Leader?" he asks.
Spyd-R is apparently in shock and delirious joy over his appointment as Team Leader...
"Everyone! Stand at attention while I read the orders! Anyone not doing so will be shot!"
ArrMatee briefly falls at ease, so that he can make a show of coming to attention as Spyd-R reads the orders. Which he will do as soon as Spyd-R starts reading the orders.
With the weight of the world seemingly on his shoulders, Numb doesn't exactly snap to attention, although he does get there.
Spyd-R gives what he hopes is an intimidating glare and breaks the seal on the envelope.
A tinny voice advises in monotone, "This message will self-destruct in sixty seconds... fifty seconds... forty seconds..."
Spyd-R frantically pulls out a stapled document and reads as fast as he can.
Spyd-R:[spoiler]
Quote
Mission Objectives:
1. Obtain necessary equipment for successful completion of mission from local PLC Depot. Emergency authorization form attached.
2. Escort Elec-O-RIC of Power Services as he effects repairs to the DTH sector power grid.
3. Terminate any traitors you encounter along the way.
4. Troubleshooter ArrMatee-R is suspected of treasonous acts. Keep an eye on him.
Below this is a handwritten addition:
Quote
5. Experimental Mutant Detector believed to be lost in target area. Retrieve and return to Briefing Officer Shoot-O-LOT.
[/spoiler]
"twenty seconds..."
So as to show that he is paying attention, ArrMatee scoots to the back of the room as fast as he can, behind other Troubleshooters. He generally finds this advisable when anything helpfully announces that it will "self-destruct."
"I don't believe I told you to step back, ArrMatee! Here, hold this while we all head to PLC!"
(*Spyd tosses the document at ArrMatee*)
"Follow me, troops! Armatee, bring up the rear! Hut hut hut!"
(*Spyd trots out of the room at a brisk pace, heading a direction that he hopes will lead him to PLC*)
"tennineeightsevensixfivefourthreetwoone!"
The document lands at ArrMatee's feet and bursts into flames.
Spyd-R:
[spoiler]It is at this moment you realize that the Emergency Requisition Authorization form was stapled to the document that just incinerated itself...[/spoiler]
(GM: Reactions to this would be good... Helps me decide whether to progress the plot or further complicate the Troubleshooters' lives...)
"AHHH! Fire!" screams Spam-R like a little girl. He starts running in little circles and frantically waving his arms in the air.
(GM: I just threw that one in there for entertainment...)
ArrMatee rolls his eyes.
If any portion of the documents looks like it might be salvageable, he does a Stop, Drop and Roll over the documents to put out the fire, and then retrieves them. Otherwise, he waits to bring up the rear.
Quote from: Viking on February 19, 2008, 09:23:40 AM
ArrMatee rolls his eyes.
If any portion of the documents looks like it might be salvageable, he does a Stop, Drop and Roll over the documents to put out the fire, and then retrieves them. Otherwise, he waits to bring up the rear.
No. Uh, uh. Whatever caused the documents to go up in flames, it was thorough enough to leave nothing but smoke, some ashes, and a cinder-darkened stain on the floor tile. Good thing this area wasn't carpeted...
Shoot-O has left the room through the opposite door marked 'Authorized Personnel Only'.
Spam-R slowly gets control of himself. Spyd-R is on the other side of the main door; not sure whether he's waiting to see if anyone's following him or not. Numb-R appears to be unwilling to be next out the door, and ArrMatee is patiently waiting to 'bring up the rear'.
What's Blo-R doing?
"Our glorious leader has just immolated our Emergency Requisition Authorization Form?", enquires Numb in a listless monotone, "Not being leadership material I'm not seeing how this strategy will play out to our advantage."
Quote from: The Phantom Eyebrow on February 19, 2008, 01:11:27 PM
"Our glorious leader has just immolated our Emergency Requisition Authorization Form?", enquires Numb in a listless monotone, "Not being leadership material I'm not seeing how this strategy will play out to our advantage."
Ahem. That was in a Spoiler addressed to Spyd-R. Numb-R isn't supposed to know that. By what horrifying unregistered mutation is Numb-R aware of this fact?
:huh:
Quote from: BlueBard on February 19, 2008, 01:32:44 PM
Ahem. That was in a Spoiler addressed to Spyd-R. Numb-R isn't supposed to know that. By what horrifying unregistered mutation is Numb-R aware of this fact?
:huh:
Oh crap. I was multi-tasking, or at least attempting to, at the time of that last post. I'm not a traitorous mutant, honest!
Quote from: gdaybloke on February 18, 2008, 04:48:10 PM"Follow me, troops! Armatee, bring up the rear! Hut hut hut!"
Blo-R complies with this very lawful order, in a very snappy manner (not wanting to be any closer to the impending "self-destruct" than necessary).
"It sounds to me as if Citizen Numb-R is already attempting to question your obviously flawless command, Team Leader. Definitely the treasonous act of a traitor."
"Come, come, fellow Troubleshooters," advises ArrMatee. "We mustn't waste time grumbling. And remember that Happiness is Mandatory! Let us cheerfully follow our Fearless Leader to the comforting lines of PLC! As an added bonus, the next person in line will get my assistance in filling out their requisitions paperwork!"
I -could- be an evil GM and have Spam-R jump into line at this point... but for the sake of moving things along, I will assume that Numb-R follows Blo-R and Spam-R follows Numb-R.
You've all been to the PLC Depot before, so you find it again fairly easily. Except this time the depot is dark and empty except for PLC clerks holding flashlights in one hand and flamethrowers in the other. It's hard to tell from the lighting, but they seem to regard you with suspicion as you approach the counter. The same clerk you dealt with before is there.
Before anyone can say anything, she says, "Sorry, can't help you. Power's out. Come back later."
From the back of the line, ArrMatee helpfully calls out:
"Team Leader? Do you want me to try to requisition equipment on the team's behalf? I have some experience working with PLC, sir!"
Quote from: BlueBard on February 20, 2008, 04:13:45 PM
I -could- be an evil GM and have Spam-R jump into line at this point... but for the sake of moving things along, I will assume that Numb-R follows Blo-R and Spam-R follows Numb-R.
You've all been to the PLC Depot before, so you find it again fairly easily. Except this time the depot is dark and empty except for PLC clerks holding flashlights in one hand and flamethrowers in the other. It's hard to tell from the lighting, but they seem to regard you with suspicion as you approach the counter. The same clerk you dealt with before is there.
Before anyone can say anything, she says, "Sorry, can't help you. Power's out. Come back later."
You guys are, ah, supposed to react to that. Brownnose. Fast-talk. Bribery. Whimper like a little girl. Something.
(Ninja'd)
Quote from: BlueBard on February 20, 2008, 04:13:45 PMBefore anyone can say anything, she says, "Sorry, can't help you. Power's out. Come back later."
"Team Leader, did we not receive orders from the Computer to come here and requisition necessary equipment for an important mission? This Citizen seems to either not care what the Computer wants, or thinks she knows better than the Computer. Either sounds very treasonous to me, Team Leader. Perhaps we should report back to Citizen Shoot-O-LOT that there may be Commies firmly entrenched in the PLC."
"Sez the needy Troubleshooter who isn't armed," the clerk replies snidely. "Let me see the authorization form."
Since the Team Leader (and the rest of the Team) seems to be dithering, ArrMatee will sigh briefly before putting on his Bright Happy Super Cheerful Face and stepping out from behind his Teammates. He then slowly walks forward towards the PLC Requisitions desk, both of his hands open in the universal sign for, "Please Realize That I Am A Harmless Unarmed Clone, And You Have Nothing To Lose By Listening To What I Have To Say."
"Thank you for your permission to approach the PLC desk, Team Leader!" calls out ArrMatee over his shoulder. "For silence is consent, as they say!"
He turns his attention to the PLC clerk, rapidly explaining the situation.
"As you can see, we do not seem to have any Authorization Forms on hand. Naturally, we will be happy to fill out the necessary Requisition Forms for our Mission Equipment. That said, there are several good reasons for you to approve our valid Requisitions!"
"Firstly - our Primary Mission is to escort a member of Power Services into dangerous territory so that he may bravely effect repairs and restore power. Thus, authorizing our Equipment Requests should result in a direct benefit to you!"
"Secondly - as our Team Leader may attest, any 'theoretical' Emergency Authorizations that we might have been given were part of a secret set of orders that only our Team Leader was entrusted with. Even I was not allowed to read them, as they self-destructed quite impressively as soon as our Team Leader finished reading them! Such security measures are clearly an indication of the grave importance and delicate nature of our work - these orders must come from really, really high up!"
As ArrMatee nears the Requisitions Desk, his voice will lower, as it is no longer necessary to loudly call out to be heard...
GM
[spoiler]"Thirdly - I'm sure you recognize us, right? Obviously, we don't have equipment to turn in for our last Mission. Which means that you get to collect the fines for all of it. Which will be made all the easier when power is restored via our Mission. Not a bad position for you, eh? Plus, if you're a gambling sort, our track record suggests that we won't survive to return our equipment from this Mission, either! Which means that you'll be able to collect even more fines from our next clones."
"Finally - you were such a great help to me the last time I was here Requisitioning equipment. Help us out, and why don't you put in a nice Requisition for yourself for whatever you might like? I'll take care of having it signed for, so it's all good, arr?"[/spoiler]
The clerk stares at ArrMatee for a moment. Then mutters back in low tones, to keep the conversation between ArrMatee and herself.
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]"Hm. Interesting points you have there, Troubleshooter. Tell you what... I can't find anything back there because the inventory system is down. But I'll let you crack open a few boxes and crates. Whatever you find you can take, as long as you sign for it and it isn't stuff that'll get me terminated. Deal?"[/spoiler]
ArrMatee, also sending you a PM you should read.
GM:
[spoiler]ArrMatee recognizes the best deal he's likely to get when he sees it.
"Deal," he responds with a winning smile. "But two provisos - I'd like to get some idea of what you're getting for yourself. To, ah... facilitate further mutually beneficial dealings here at PLC. And it's clear that you clones know where the flashlights and flamethrowers are. So even though the inventory system is down, I'd appreciate pointers on what you know about where stuff is.[/spoiler]
The clerk gives ArrMatee a hard look.
"Sorry, you're on your own Troubleshooter," she replies aloud. "If you don't like the situation, go see R&D. I hear they're still issuing gear to anyone crazy enough to take it."
GM:
[spoiler]"Fine, Deal. You win."[/spoiler]
The clerk smiles at the team.
"It's your lucky day, Citizens! You get to see the inside of a PLC warehouse and go on a shopping spree!"
She waves to the other clerks, the ones with flamethrowers. "Trig-R? Bug-R? Can you show these nice Citizens where the crowbars are and help them fill out their requisition forms properly?"
After opening a number of boxes and crates under the watchful eyes of Trig-R and Bug-R, the team finds the following stuff (clearance level in parentheses):
40 Tangler Grenades (Red)
2 Chainsaws (Indigo)
5 Folding Shovels (Yellow)
25 Laser Barrels (Red)
5 Laser Rifles (Orange)
10 Geiger Counters (Blue)
20 Stun Grenades (Orange)
10 Smoke Alarms (Red)
100 Handcuffs (Blue)
40 Rolls of Film for Camera (Green)
1 Camera (Yellow)
50 Boxes of Matches, 25 ea (Green)
100 Pamphlets of Communist Propaganda (Treasonous!)
100 Rolls of Dental Floss (Orange)
50 Rounds of Slugthrower Ammo (Yellow)
10 Happiness Energy Bars (Red)
100 "I Heart Computer" keychains (Red)
5 Bicycles, Assembly Required (Indigo)
50 Hiking Boots, Right (Blue)
10 Rounds of Cone Rifle Ammo (Blue)
1 Type IV Com Unit (Indigo) Note: This is bulky, about the size and weight of a brick
1 One Man Tent (Blue)
20 Bullhorns (Red)
5 Portable Stoves (Green)
50 Rounds of Tangler Gun Ammo (Green)
100 Tear Gas Grenades (Orange)
5 Suits of Kevlar Armor (Red)
100 Meters of Bubble Wrap (Yellow)
250 Bags of Algae Chips (Red)
500 Autographed Teela-O Plasticups
1 Shielded Field Telephone (Orange)
10 Flashlights (Red)
10 Rolls of Duct Tape
Now, keeping in mind you don't have any backpacks, how much of this stuff do you actually want to carry in your pockets and on your persons?
Also, please note that the clerks didn't take a good look at the pamphlets... yet.
"What sort of supplies are we going to need for our very important mission for the almighty Computer, Team Leader?"
GM: [spoiler]How much of a blind eye do the PLC clerks seem to be willing to turn about higher clearance level items? Is it just the Red level assistants that have come into the back with us? No real plans to ask them about it outright, just wondering what kind of body language and non-verbal cues we may have picked up from them while opening all of the boxes (or even any outright comments; "Oh, Chainsaws....too bad you can't have them.")[/spoiler]
Numb sifts through the available items, all the while trying to wait and see what everyone else is taking. For the moment he grabs:
1 Happiness Energy Bar (Red)
1"I Heart Computer" keychain (Red)
1 Suit of Kevlar Armor (Red)
3 Bags of Algae Chips (Red)
1 Flashlight (Red)
But he continues perusing and eying up the other merchandise...
ArrMatee helpfully notes the following:
"We still need to requisition this stuff, fellow Teammates. Anything that we'd like to requisition beyond our Security Clearance still needs to be approved by the PLC clerk who so graciously allowed us in here."
For the moment ArrMatee grabs:
2 Happiness Energy Bars (Red)
1 "I Heart Computer" keychain (Red)
1 Suit of Kevlar Armor (Red)
1 Flashlight (Red)
1 Bag of Algae Chips (Red)
1 Roll of Duct Tape (No listed security clearance)
2 Tangler Grenades (Red)
1 Crowbar (since we've clearly had them made available for opening crates, ArrMatee wants to try to requisition one)
"For our glorious Team Leader's approval, I would also suggest that we attempt to requisition a Laser Rifle each, two Red Laser barrels apiece, and a Stun and Tear Gas Grenade apiece, in anticipation of hostile chaos on our upcoming mission."
Blo-R (and others),
About the only observable reaction from the PLC clerks who were watching you was when you found the bubble wrap and the duct tape.
("Ooohh! Bubble wrap!" "Neat! Duct tape!")
Aside from that, they're keeping straight faces.
GM: G'Day seems to be incommunicado, so I'm assuming control of Spyd-R temporarily to move things along.
"Good suggestion," Spyd-R nods to ArrMatee-R. "Blo-R and Numb-R, go ahead and request the laser rifles and the other stuff our Equipment Guy has suggested." He then turns to Arr-Matee. "As the Equipment Guy, I really think you would find it more interesting to visit R&D for the really advanced gear. You won't be able to lug around that stuff and a bulky laser rifle, so you should probably hold off on that. The grenades, too. You'll need your pockets free for tools and such."
To Spam-R he says, "You really need to work on your happiness skills, Citizen. You'd better take a few Happiness energy bars. I'm sorry I can't medicate you appropriately, but those should help. Get yourself a keychain, too. Oh, and a meter or so of bubble wrap. That's always good for morale. And you'd better request that field telephone, we might need it. Since we don't have any backpacks I'm designating you as the, uh, Team Carrier. You'll have to carry the stuff the rest of us can't hold. You won't have room for anything bulky, I'm afraid, so don't take anything else."
"As for me," he continues, "I think I'll take a laser rifle, a couple of laser barrels, a suit of that kevlar, a half-dozen Happiness energy bars, a couple of stun grenades, one of those keychains... oh, and that camera... and film, of course. A flashlight. A bullhorn. Oh yes, a roll of the duct tape. And I'd better have Spam-R carry along an extra five meters of bubble wrap for team morale. That should do it!" he concludes brightly.
Quote from: BlueBard on February 29, 2008, 10:04:00 AM
"Good suggestion," Spyd-R nods to ArrMatee-R. "Blo-R and Numb-R, go ahead and request the laser rifles and the other stuff our Equipment Guy has suggested."
"Yes sir!" replies Numb, adopting the military fashion, "however, might I suggest that his suggestion to take two laser barrrels apiece seems abitrary and insufficient for our needs? If you ask me, we would be best served with three laser barrrels each."
ArrMatee raises an eyebrow at the Team Leader's suggestion that he go entirely without armament, but says nothing. In the spirit of cooperation, he does not requisition a Laser Rifle, as that would be bulky without a backpack to store various items.
He will still attempt to requisition:
2 Happiness Energy Bars (Red)
1 "I Heart Computer" keychain (Red)
1 Suit of Kevlar Armor (Red)
1 Flashlight (Red)
1 Bag of Algae Chips (Red)
1 Roll of Duct Tape (No listed security clearance)
2 Tangler Grenades (Red)
3 Red Laser Barrels (Red)
1 Tear Gas Grenade (Orange)
1 Stun Grenade (Orange)
1 Roll of Dental Floss (Orange)
1 Crowbar
Quote from: The Phantom Eyebrow on March 02, 2008, 05:35:44 AM
"Yes sir!" replies Numb, adopting the military fashion, "however, might I suggest that his suggestion to take two laser barrrels apiece seems abitrary and insufficient for our needs? If you ask me, we would be best served with three laser barrrels each."
"Excellent suggestion, Troubleshooter," Spyd-R replies. He favors ArrMatee-R with a withering glance. "I'm surprised our Equipment Guy didn't think of that. In fact, get four. That will give us 24 shots each. You can always tuck a couple into your boots."
GM: I still need Blo-R's requisition list ASAP... or the Team Leader will simply assign him stuff. If G'Day pops in he can change whatever he wants. I want to get out of the re-equipping grind as soon as I can. TPE, was there anything else you were going to get besides the stuff on your list and the suggested laser rifle and barrels?
ArrMatee reflects the withering glance with a sunny, cheerful grin. "I was merely deferring on the issue of proper armaments to your superior intellect, Oh Glorious Team Leader!"
ooc: *grumbles something about intentions of posting and bad memory*
ic:
Blo-R intends to requisition the following supplies:
1 Tangler Grenade (Red)
4 Laser Barrels (Red)
1 Laser Rifle (Orange)
2 Stun Grenades (Orange)
1 Roll of Dental Floss (Orange)
5 "I Heart Computer" keychains (Red)
2 Tear Gas Grenades (Orange)
1 Suit of Kevlar Armor (Red)
2 Bags of Algae Chips (Red)
5 Autographed Teela-O Plasticups
1 Flashlight (Red)
1 Roll of Duct Tape
"I was planning on requisitioning some of the Happiness Energy Bars, but our wise Team Leader seems to want most for himself, with most of the rest going to Spam-R. I'm sure he knows what he's doing."
"Team Leader, I have a couple of suggestions, equipment-wise, for the newly appointed Team Carrier. He should requisition many more of the keychains, that he can then hook to straps & buckles on his jumpsuit & boots, and thereby carry more equpiment hooked to them. Also, I suggest that he carry an Autographed Teela-O Plasticup, filled with water, in the event we need to clean or dampen anything during the mission, since we have no thermoses."
GM: How is the Clearance Level marked for each item? Is it stenciled on the box/crate, color coded on the container, or is it just information we kind of know, or is passed along by the PLC flunkies?
Quote from: Panther_Gunn on March 03, 2008, 03:00:23 PM
"Team Leader, I have a couple of suggestions, equipment-wise, for the newly appointed Team Carrier. He should requisition many more of the keychains, that he can then hook to straps & buckles on his jumpsuit & boots, and thereby carry more equpiment hooked to them. Also, I suggest that he carry an Autographed Teela-O Plasticup, filled with water, in the event we need to clean or dampen anything during the mission, since we have no thermoses."
"Good suggestion, Blo-R!" Spyd-R says. Spam-R moans unhappily.
QuoteGM: How is the Clearance Level marked for each item? Is it stenciled on the box/crate, color coded on the container, or is it just information we kind of know, or is passed along by the PLC flunkies?
Most equipment is color-coded somehow. Clearance level isn't marked directly on the boxes, as that information would facilitate theft of high-security items (and make things way too easy for you!). You are probably aware of the security clearance level of most common items. In the event that the equipment you select isn't color-coded, the clerks will inform you if you are not cleared for it.
Everyone,
The clerks are unusually magnanimous about letting you have your requested gear without argument or excessive paperwork. Pockets, boots, and jumpsuits tucked full of gear, you are ready to set out. Spam-R is practically covered with keychains from which dangle anything and everything that can be clipped to them, including grenades and plasticups stuffed with energy bars and bags of algae chips. He's carrying most of Spyd-R's gear (Let me know if you're foisting any of your stuff off on Spam-R) while trying to hang on to a large roll of bubble wrap.
"Let's stop off at R&D real quick," Spyd-R says. "I just know Friend ArrMatee-R will be dying to get his hands on some of that high-tech. Here we go! Hup! Two-Three-Four..."
Along the way, he occasionally stops the team to take a photo. ("This will be great for boosting Citizen morale!")
You wind up back at R&D, which appears to have power and lighting. Murph-Y and Crash-R are there to greet you.
"Oh, good!" Murph-Y beams. "More test volunteers! What is your mission, Troubleshooters?"
Spyd-R motions for ArrMatee-R to do the talking.
ArrMatee launches into a Mission Summary whilst exercising his budding Bootlicking skills...
"Oh Illustrious and Most Brilliant Murph-Y, without whom I'm sure that R&D could barely function, if even that, our Mission is to escort a member of Power Services into a dangerous section of DTH Sector to restore power to that area."
"Because of the lack of power in that sector, numerous fires and massive damage has been reported. Armed Forces have been dispatched in, well... force, as it is believed that a nuclear device was detonated, thus resulting in the power loss."
"And so, while DTH Sector has brute force aplenty, it lacks the presence of forward-thinking, life-altering R&D ingenuity to solve these problems! We come seeking useful inventions to field-test in the pursuit of this Mission!"
ArrMatee proceeds to begin a series of bizarre neck, finger, and arm stretches, speaking as he does so.
"Please pardon my multi-tasking, brilliant Citizens Murph-Y and Spyd-R. But Team Leader Spyd-R has indicated that I shall be handling most of the R&D issued items for this Mission. Seeing as how noble Team Carrier Spam-R is carrying so much PLC equipment, I estimate that I should engage in these warm-up exercises before carrying so many anticipated valuable R&D inventions!"
"How delightful!" Murph-Y replies happily. "It's rare I find such enlightened enthusiasm among the ranks; ah, no offense intended. I'm sure I can help you," he affirms.
"Crash-R, go get out the spare Portable Morale Booster. It sounds like your team could really use encouragement on such a difficult and stressful mission, and we never got a report on the effectiveness of the first one."
"The Portable Morale Booster?" Crash-R says. "What spare?"
"You know... the prototype! Go, go!" Crash-R scurries off.
Murph-Y turns back to ArrMatee-R. "I need some idea as to the kinds of field tests that will be possible. What sorts of difficulties do you believe you'll encounter, Troubleshooter?"
"Absolutely, Enlightened Citizen Murph-Y!" exclaims ArrMatee, cracking his knuckles in a finger-stretch.
"Firstly, our Mission Briefing reported that all battery-powered devices in the Sector stopped functioning at the time of the power outage. In the following chaos, I imagine that subversive Commie traitors have armed themselves with non-battery-powered weapons like slugthrowers and grenades, or worse!"
"Secondly - a nuclear device is suspected as being responsible for the power outage - means of shielding someone from hazardous radiation would be welcome!"
ArrMatee proceeds into neck rotations as he continues.
"Thirdly - multiple fires have been reported in the danger zone. Means of extinguishing fires would be quite helpful!"
"Fourthly - due to the particular invigorating challenges provided by our provisioning, our Equipment Guy is presently without tools to service equipment breakdowns in the field, or a means of carrying them, or a means of defending himself if forced to effect repairs in a combat situation. Has R&D put its staggering intellect towards solving this connundrum yet?"
"Fifthly - I note that while my fellow Troubleshooters have both laser rifles and flashlights, it will be most difficult for them to effectively handle both should a battle ensue! It seems to me like they could benefit from an extra set of hands. I point this out specifically because I do not want to selfishly hoard all of the amazing R&D field-testing to myself, and charitably want to share it with my enthusiastic fellow Troubleshooters!"
"Finally - I am sure that my clever and insightful fellow Troubleshooters will be able to think of additional hazards that I have not yet covered. Numb-R and Blo-R have both shown themselves to be particularly thoughtful so far, so I would welcome their particular input."
Quote from: BlueBard on March 03, 2008, 08:41:56 AM
"Excellent suggestion, Troubleshooter," Spyd-R replies. He favors ArrMatee-R with a withering glance. "I'm surprised our Equipment Guy didn't think of that. In fact, get four. That will give us 24 shots each. You can always tuck a couple into your boots."
Numb smiles with smug satisfaction at Spyd's initial comment, then seems to catch himself as he continues. Gathering himself, Numb replies, "I... I see where your'e going with this and there is merit in the argument that more is more. With that in mind, and considering that there are in fact 25 laser sights available, I suggest that I take the last spare one, thereby ensuring that the group has a much more satisfactary total of 25 shots at its disposal."
It suddenly dawns on ArrMatee that his fellow Troubleshooter Numb-R has made a certain accounting error. In the spirit of helpfulness, ArrMatee whispers some info to him, rather than openly mocking the mistake:
Numb-R
[spoiler]"Psst! Laser barrels typically have six shots each! Taking all 25 laser barrels would result in total firepower of 150 shots altogether! Just so ya know, arr?"[/spoiler]
Meanwhile, as he further puts his mind to the task of contemplating challenges that R&D might lend its inventions to, ArrMatee has another thought:
"Ah! Citizen Murph-Y! It occurs to me that in the danger zone, several valuable R&D inventions may have been abandoned in the chaos of darkness. Though I have not been informed of any specific Mission Directives by our Team Leader, it would seem that a conceivable "Bonus Directive" would be to retrieve any R&D inventions that we come across. Though, in order to do that, this would require some means of recognizing or detecting any R&D items in the vicinity. Might R&D have any inventions that would be useful in tracking down other R&D inventions?"
Quote from: BlueBard on March 04, 2008, 12:51:55 PM"Crash-R, go get out the spare Portable Morale Booster. It sounds like your team could really use encouragement on such a difficult and stressful mission, and we never got a report on the effectiveness of the first one."
"The Portable Morale Booster?" Crash-R says. "What spare?"
"You know... the prototype! Go, go!" Crash-R scurries off.
Once ArrMatee finishes his apparent attempts to stroke the ego of the R&D guy, Blo-R will raise his hand tentatively, "Um, excuse me, Citizen Murph-Y? Wouldn't taking such a valuable piece of Computer property such as the only prototype to the Portable Morale Booster into the face of unknown dangers be a bad idea? Should anything bad happen to it during the mission, would that not set R&D back years in it's research? Worse, since there is suspiscion of Commie Traitors in the area, wouldn't letting it fall into their hands be devastating, indeed? Perhaps it should be left here, so that it can be used to create a new field replacement, that can then be tested in full."
Murph-Y replies to Blo-R, "Well, no. The prototype is an alpha version of the beta version that your team lost. The Computer, Glorious and Mighty are its' Processors, has the plans for the beta version on file. The alpha version is practically identical, so we can field test a lot of the functionality. About the only thing we couldn't get to work the way we wanted on the prototype is the AutoFun feature. We'll retest that when we rebuild the beta."
Murph-Y turns to ArrMatee-R.
"Well, now. Your suggestion of an R&D Tracker device has some merit, Citizen. We'll have to think about that one. We don't have any such thing in development as of yet. Good thought, though. I can see why you're a Troubleshooter!"
"As to your other problems..."
"I think we have just the thing for your field repair issues. I'll go get it myself!"
Murph-Y leaves the room momentarily.
(Nobody took advantage of the fact that both R&D guys were out of the room??? Shocking lapse of Opportunism...)
Murph-y comes back and hands ArrMatee a small pouch suitable for attaching to a belt.
"There you are! A six-pack of Nano-Tool! That should supply your field repair needs."
"Amazing, Citizen Murph-Y!" exclaims ArrMatee in delight as he examines the pouch. "How do I use it?"
Quote from: Viking on March 10, 2008, 06:24:37 AM
"Amazing, Citizen Murph-Y!" exclaims ArrMatee in delight as he examines the pouch. "How do I use it?"
The pouch contains six small vials made out of a dense, dull metal.
"Well, the details are classified of course," Murph-Y replies. "But essentially each vial contains a small colony of non-sentient nanobots suspended in an oily medium doped with metal particles and polymer chains. Just pour it out on whatever you want fixed and the Nano-Tool will take care of it!"
Crash-R returns with the Portable Morale Booster. He appears rather flushed and he seems to be avoiding meeting anyone's gaze.
"Ah! There it is! Bring it over here!"
Crash-R shuffles forward, lugging the PMB. He leans in and whispers something in Murph-Y's ear. Murph-Y's eyes widen in surprise, then he recovers.
"Excellent news!" Murph-Y beams. "This unit happens to be the Beta model! That really simplifies things quite a lot! And which of you Citizens will be operating it?"
"I would not presume to speak for our illustrious Team Leader," says ArrMatee. "His previous clone operated the last model, though he seemed eager to have me outfitted with as much R&D inventions as possible on our way here. It is ultimately for his enlightened decision-making capability."
ArrMatee brightens up somewhat. "While our glorious Team Leader ponders this weighty matter, might you possibly indulge this curious Troubleshooter as to what some of your current inventions are that may be in need of testing? Subject to whatever we are cleared to hear, of course. I would love to marvel at the cutting-edge ingenuity present in this section of R&D. And who knows? Such descriptions may prompt inspiration as to possible testing scenarios in our upcoming mission!"
"What we're working on? That information is highly classified, of course." Murph-Y replies. "But there may be a few things we need tested that might be a good fit for your mission. Let me see..." he ponders.
"Obviously it must be a dangerous mission. Experimental weaponry... Ah! Crash-R, go get the Energized Gauntlets, the Porta-Wall, and the Demoralizer Ray!"
Crash-R scurries off.
Spyd-R says, "I'll take responsibility for the Portable Morale Booster. As Team Leader I need to make sure the team is properly motivated at all times."
"Excellent!" Murph-Y exclaims cheerfully. "Any other mission parameters that R&D can help you with?"
ArrMatee is lost in thought for a moment, and then has an inspiration.
"Medical treatment!" he exclaims. "Clearly it will be necessary to treat clones who are wounded through mishaps or combat, and are without the services of a Docbot. Might you have anything along those lines, Citizen Murph-Y?"
Quote from: Viking on March 12, 2008, 09:27:34 AM
ArrMatee is lost in thought for a moment, and then has an inspiration.
"Medical treatment!" he exclaims. "Clearly it will be necessary to treat clones who are wounded through mishaps or combat, and are without the services of a Docbot. Might you have anything along those lines, Citizen Murph-Y?"
Murph-Y's smile drops. His faces blushes a bit and his eyes sort of drift away from your gaze.
"Um, well... Unfortunately early testing of the Nano-Medic has not gone well..."
"I've cycled through a dozen clones already!!!" Crash-R shouts in a tremulous voice as he re-enters the room carrying a pair of metallic gloves and a high-tech pistol. A large metallic cube on a heavy wheeled chassis trundles behind him into the room.
"I've told you over and over, Crash-R; we have to accept the occasional setback for the sake of research," Murph-Y scolds.
"Stop!" Crash-R shrieks just as the cube is about to run him over in slow motion. He slumps in relief as the cube jerks to a complete stop.
ArrMatee-R nods sagely and furrows his brow in sympathy at Murph-Y.
"I completely understand your situation. Still, a difficult research project makes the success all the more triumphant, arr?"
His eyes gleam at the sight of the experimental weaponry arriving in the room.
"The Porta-Wall is responsive to voice activation?" he murmurs. "Impressive! I can hardly wait to hear the details as to the proper operation of this equipment!"
"Most certainly, Troubleshooter!" Murph-Y smiles back. "There's even a card with the recognized voice commands on it... uh, somewhere..." He walks over to a workstation and shuffles around various papers looking for it.
"Oh well. Let me write them down for you. I think I remember most of them..." He scribbles notes on a blank sheet of algae paper and hands it to you.
(PM on the way shortly)
ArrMatee reviews the algae paper carefully before tucking it into a pocket.
"Very impressive! Ah... Citizen Murph-Y... while ordinarily I would not even think of starting work with such an important invention while inside the walls of R&D, should I begin familiarizing the Porta-Wall with my voice commands now? Otherwise the logical puzzle arises as to how my team would get it out the door."
He also brightens at the sight of the experimental weaponry. "And I can't wait to hear about the other inventions that have been brought!"
"Um... could you perhaps share this list of voice commands with the rest of your fellow Troubleshooters? I would hate for us to inadvertantly activate it at an inappropriate juncture. I don't know the range of functions that this Porta-Wall has to offer, but it would be a terrible thing if, in extremis, one of us were to utter a mild profanity that would also trigger a function of the wall".
"Oh, I don't think you'll have to worry about that," Murph-Y tells Numb-R. "The voice commands it understands are rather limited. And it's not supposed to ob-- uh, lis-- um, do the bidding of anyone but it's operator. That's a safety feature we put in after the prototype smashed through a wall."
Murph-Y holds up the pair of metallic gauntlets.
"Here's a little something R&D likes to call 'Energized Gauntlets'. They're intended for hand-to-hand combat in close quarters. Each glove carries a powerful electrical charge. The palm actuator releases the charge, which is powerful enough to stun most clones and bots. The really interesting thing about these devices is that they can recharge themselves from any available electrical source, including static electricity."
He gingerly puts the gloves down on a table near ArrMatee, palm side up. Then he holds up a bulbous ray gun with a small, deep cone at the business end. Unexpectedly, he aims the gun at Crash-R and fires.
"You're so ugly, I'd rather volunteer for summary execution than look at you! It's quicker!" shouts a disembodied voice from near Crash-R, who bursts into tears and runs out of the room.
"I keep telling him research scientists have to suppress their emotions, but he doesn't listen," Murph-Y shakes his head. "Tsk-tsk. Anyway, this Demoralizer Ray should keep your enemies at bay."
"Once again, I am awed by the intellectual ingenuity of R&D!" exclaims ArrMatee. "Can you give us an estimated number of uses of the Demoralizer Ray before it needs recharging, or is that beyond our Security Clearance? And, arr... might you have any instructions as to the safe and proper handling of the Energized Gauntlets? Given the delicate care with which you handled them, I wouldn't want any member of our team mishandling them, thereby risking damage to the fruits of R&D genius!"
"Eh, we're actually not sure how the Demoralizer Ray will function in the field," Murph-Y says. "That's one of the things you'll be testing. As to the Gauntlets, you just want to make sure you don't accidentally trigger those actuators while touching something you don't want zapped. Well, it's been nice chatting with you, but I really must go find Crash-R wherever he's hiding and get some more research done. Be sure to submit testing reports!"
Murph-Y motions toward the door.
"Absolutely, Citizen Murph-Y!" agrees ArrMatee, gathering up the Demoralizer Ray and the Energizer Gloves. He'll then walk over to the Porta-Wall.
GM:
[spoiler]After which he'll tell the Porta-Wall to "listen," and tell it what a wonderful thing it is. He'll then tell it to "fold."[/spoiler]
I assume ArrMatee is whispering that.
Nothing seems to happen.
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]It occurs to ArrMatee that the Porta-Wall is actually already "folded".[/spoiler]
Yes, ArrMatee originally whispered his instructions to the Porta-Wall. He then boggles at the thought that this large metal cube is already in its compacted state.
Making sure that he's standing ten paces away from the Porta-Wall, he will state, "Forward."
If that prompts actual movement by the Porta-Wall, he will follow up by saying, "Stop," after it had traveled about five paces. To be followed by brief tested commands of "Left," "Stop," "Right," "Stop," and "Back," "Stop." Which, if they work without too many unexpected hiccups, will prompt ArrMatee to give commands appropriate to slowly guide it out of R&D.
The Porta-Wall seems to work fine by voice command, if it's movements are rather slow and jerky as it wheels along on its' motorized base.
You leave R&D and return to the Briefing Room. A nervous-looking Citizen with dark hair and wearing an Orange jumpsuit is waiting, flanked by two toolbots. They bear a strong resemblance to scrubbots, but are larger and loaded with tools instead of cleaning attachments. The toolbots move about on rotating triangular tracks mounted to their chassis.
"Hi, my name is Elec-O," he says. "I assume you're the Troubleshooter team assigned to protect me?" He eyes the group uncertainly.
"Absolutely, Citizen Elec-O," confirms ArrMatee. "Looking forward to getting DTH Sector in good working condition again."
"The wall has ears I see" says Numb, impressed at the fine technology on display. "If the weapons haven't been assigned yet, I wonder if I might be permitted to use the Demoraliser Ray in the field?"
ArrMatee, realizing that he just used the word "forward" in his last sentence, quickly looks to the Porta-Wall and says, "Stop," just in case it had started moving again.
"With respect to the experimental R&D items, I had been given the initial impression that our Team Leader expected me to wield the bulk of them," he notes. "Without a laser rifle or the Demoralizer Ray, that would leave me dangerously short on long-range tactical options."
ArrMatee flashes a reassuring grin to Elec-O. "So - what's your understanding of what needs to be done to restore power?"
Quote from: Viking on March 19, 2008, 07:59:55 AM
ArrMatee, realizing that he just used the word "forward" in his last sentence, quickly looks to the Porta-Wall and says, "Stop," just in case it had started moving again.
"With respect to the experimental R&D items, I had been given the initial impression that our Team Leader expected me to wield the bulk of them," he notes. "Without a laser rifle or the Demoralizer Ray, that would leave me dangerously short on long-range tactical options."
ArrMatee flashes a reassuring grin to Elec-O. "So - what's your understanding of what needs to be done to restore power?"
Good call. The Porta-Wall did indeed jerk to a start, which your hasty "stop" aborted before it plowed into a toolbot.
"Eh, the Team Leader has lost interest in what you do or don't do, ArrMatee-R," says Spyd-R. "You can trade with him if you want. What I'm really interested in is the human-interest story. So tell me, Elec-O... What's your favorite color?"
"Um, Orange?" Elec-O replies.
"Great! I'll make a note of that!" Spyd-R says brightly. "Smile for the camera!" He points his camera at Elec-O and takes a picture.
"Great," Elec-O mutters, rubbing his eyes after the glare of the flash. He turns to ArrMatee. "Basically I just need to get to a power panel in a secure area. I should be able to restore power to the sector from there."
The Team Leader having giving his blessing, ArrMatee-R smiles in a friendly manner at Numb-R.
"All I care about is having a ranged option in battle. If you'd like to exchange your laser rifle for the Demoralizer Ray, great. If you decide you'd like to exchange them again in the future, that's fine, too. I leave it up to you."
ArrMatee-R looks to Citizen Elec-O again, keeping his speech slow and measured as he watches his word choice in earshot of the Porta-Wall.
"Do you know the directions to get to this power panel?" he inquires. "If so, let us know how you want us to arrange ourselves so that you feel safest, and we can be on our way."
ArrMatee keeps a careful eye on the Porta-Wall, ready to call out "Stop" if it starts moving again at anyone else's speech.
Elec-O looks a bit embarrassed. "Uh, I'm not from this sector. I really don't know my way around here. But these toolbots know where they're going," he says, indicating them with a wave of his hand.
Elec-O stares at the Porta-Wall, as if just now realizing it's not a standard model bot. "What is that thing?" he asks, pointing.
ArrMatee's grin broadens, as if in dark appreciation of how things work in Beta Complex. "I understand just what you mean, Friend Citizen. If the toolbots are willing to guide us, we should be okay. But let me know if you expect any complications, okay?"
"As for the large mobile block of metal, it's called the Porta-Wall from R&D. It responds to voice commands."
ArrMatee checks carefully to make sure no one is standing in the Porta-Wall's path, and demonstrates its response to the words "Back, Stop, Right, Stop, Left, Stop, Forward, Stop."
"There's other functions, but I'm being careful about using them. R&D inventions always have a little unpredictability, after all."
Quote from: Viking on March 20, 2008, 08:23:01 AM
ArrMatee's grin broadens, as if in dark appreciation of how things work in Beta Complex. "I understand just what you mean, Friend Citizen. If the toolbots are willing to guide us, we should be okay. But let me know if you expect any complications, okay?"
"As for the large mobile block of metal, it's called the Porta-Wall from R&D--"
As soon as you say "Porta-Wall", the aforementioned device abruptly pivots to the left and before you can react the cube rapidly unfolds with startling speed and force. Everyone manages to stay out of the way as a 3 x 3 meter armored wall slams into place and partitions the briefing room... except one of the toolbots which happened to be in the way and was struck by the edge of the Porta-Wall, cracking open its' plastic housing with a shower of sparks.
Both Elec-O and Spam-R let out high-pitched shrieks of terror. Bits of acoustic tile fall to the floor.
"Fold!" calls out ArrMatee quickly.
If that does, in fact, cause the Porta-Wall to return to its original size, ArrMatee will continue...
"Uh, really sorry about that. They didn't include that word on the list of known commands."
ArrMatee then mops the sweat from his brow.
"Ahem. May I suggest that nobody here say the word 'Listen'? That will cause this device to recognize your voice, and then we'll have to worry about you watching your speech as well."
'Fold' works. The chaotic arrangement of struts and pistons that make up the framework for the Porta-Wall begin folding the multi-jointed armor plating back into cube shape, albeit far more slowly than it unfolded. More pieces of acoustic tile fall from the crushed ceiling and the wrecked toolbot falls over with a crash.
Elec-O and Spam-R have stopped screaming, but are still trembling. The other toolbot trundles over to focus its' photosensors into the damaged 'bot.
"Zat is not goot," it proclaims. "It vill take two or tree daycycles in ze shop to patch it up. Vant me to giff you a qvote on ze damages?"
"No, no, what's done is done," notes ArrMatee as he reaches for the pouch of Nano-Repair fluid. "Any outstanding damages will simply get billed to the clone who signed for the item from R&D anyway. But let's see if I can fix this..."
If the metal cube has not chosen to act on any other new vocabulary offerings, ArrMatee will pour the contents of a vial of Nano-Repair fluid on the wrecked toolbot, and then stand back and watch.
The viscous fluid oozes down over the bot and down through the gaping crack in the bot's plastic shell. You wait.
Nothing seems to happen.
ArrMatee shrugs. "Another product tested. Shall we continue?"
ArrMatee gives the Porta-Wall a series of directions so that it may wheel itself out of the conference room, thereby reducing the chance that it will smash through the Troubleshooting team as they discuss options. He makes sure, of course, to bring it to a halt with the "Stop" command.
"I would humbly suggest that said item," he suggests, nodding in the direction of the Porta-Wall, "travel a good distance in front of the Troubleshooting team as we make our way to the target area."
You make your way from Troubleshooter HQ toward the "Disaster Area".
Turning a corner, you see a squad of four Internal Security officers down the hallway. Just beyond them, you can see unlit panels of fluorescent lights leading into shadows, then darkness.
The officers appear to be well-armed with Blue Reflec, Needle guns, and Neurowhips. They see you turn the corner. They seem surprised, but not alarmed. Their Needle guns are out, but not aimed directly at you. More or less in your general direction, but not as if they're about to shred you with high-velocity needles. Yet.
ArrMatee keeps his hands in plain view and makes no sudden moves as he addresses the officers.
"Stop," he says in a normal speaking voice to the Porta-Wall, so that it does not continue to trundle along.
"Greetings, officers!" he calls out. "Troubleshooter team here, escorting a Power Services technician to restore power to DTH sector. Permission requested to proceed."
As always, ArrMatee remains ready to call out "Stop" if his words happen to trigger further movement of the Porta-Wall.
The IntSec officers look over your group with bored, disdainful expressions.
"Where are your authorization papers?" the lead officer asks brusquely.
"Our Troubleshooting authorization papers self-incinerated due to mission sensitivity," sighs ArrMatee. He looks over to the Orange-class technician. "I don't suppose you were provided any separate authorization papers?"
Elec-O looks bewildered. "Nobody told me I'd need any special authorization. They just told me I'd get an escort to where I needed to go."
"No authorization, eh?" the officer says. "If you can't produce some kind of documentation that proves to us you're supposed to go in, we can't let you pass."
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]You see the officer wink one eye when he says the word 'documentation'.[/spoiler]
"Documentation, eh?" notes ArrMatee. "Let me see what I have."
After a moment, he produces the only paperwork that he would have copies of... the various Requisitions forms for the gear requisitioned from PLC.
"These forms show the equipment we've duly requisitioned for this Mission Objective," he explains.
[spoiler]
"Let me know if any particular items provide the necessary 'authorization' you're looking for, Citizens," he adds in an undertone, as he passes the key forms to the Blue officers. "Or perhaps I can inform you of suspected Treasonous activity that I spotted when we requisitioned this equipment? We haven't had a proper opportunity to report it to the Computer with the power outage and all, but you fine upstanding Citizens might be able to do something about it... and take credit for it, I might add."[/spoiler]
ArrMatee, the rest of your team is a little too close about you to keep anything private except whispering in the IntSec guy's ear... and attempting to do that without warning is probably not advisable.
Then, before attempting to whisper in the IntSec guy's ear, ArrMatee would make a show of not having any weapons in hand, and helpfully say, "Perhaps I might confidentially bring your attention to the more relevant portions?"
"Hm. Okay. Step into my office," the IntSec guy says, motioning you to move a bit further down the corridor.
"Now," he says in muted tones, "before you try to trick me or brownnose me into letting you pass, you'd better give me credit for having intelligence. What is it you want to show me?"
"Of course, Citizen," answers ArrMatee. "When we were obtaining our gear from PLC in this sector, I spotted a crate filled with what looked like blatantly treasonous propaganda. I figure whoever confiscates and destroys that material will know how to transform that into perks with his superiors. It wasn't even all that long ago that I spotted it, and we haven't had the opportunity to report it in any official capacity yet. Which means you can have the benefit of acting on this information first, and to your own advantage."
"I figure that's the most valuable thing I can offer you as a sign of my... heh... 'authorization' and 'loyalty' in this instance. I mean, apart from that, all we have is the gear we're carrying, along with standard-issue stuff from R&D... which I expect you're not interested in as a matter of course. But if you want to look over the stuff we're carrying to see if there's anything you need to 'confiscate,' none of us could stop you even if we tried."
"Still, I'd imagine you'd get the best value from the first option, sir. Let us through to complete our Mission (which really is to restore power to this sector, and which would allow you to move on to more pleasant duties, I suspect), and I'll give you the best details I can manage on exactly where to find the crate of treasonous material. PLC warehouses not exactly being the easiest places to navigate, sir."
"Huh," the IntSec guy eyes you and your gear skeptically. "You must be new to Troubleshooting. Here's a free tip: always keep negotiable goods handy. You clones seem harmless enough, but it isn't worth what will happen if we're caught 'exercising personal judgement in the field', if you know what I mean. We've got to make sure you're legit."
He turns to his fellows. "Thum-B! Call in and request a Field Interrogation unit."
"Excellent!" beams Spyd-R. The rest of the team stares at him as if he's lost his mind.
The IntSec guy turns and regards Spyd-R with surprise. "You've never been the subject of a Field Interrogation, have you?"
"No, of course not! But it will be a great story for the expose I'm working on. 'How Mutant Traitors Infiltrated DTH Sector Under the Noses of IntSec, Planted Treasonous Literature and Blew Up the Sector'. That's my working title until I come up with something catchy. Do you have any ideas? No? Oh, well. Let's see, I'll need to take lots of pictures... Can I interview you?" He snaps a picture of the surprised officer with his camera. "Oh, that will make a great image for the front page!"
"But--"
"No comment, eh? Not willing to talk to the media, huh? Tsk. That won't reflect well in my story, I'm afraid."
While the IntSec officer (and hopefully the rest of the Blue squad) is distracted by Spyd-R's impersonation of Pete-R-PKR, ArrMatee-R will quickly shoot the Demoralizer Ray far down the dark hallway. With any luck, it will make the sound of something rude that a traitor might say, to lend credence to Spyd's fast-talking.
"You've got a face only a mother could love!" shouts a voice from the darkness. "Too bad she's a test tube!"
"Who said that?" the IntSec guy barks. "Thum-B and John-B, go check that out!"
He turns back to Spyd-R, momentarily flummoxed, as two of the IntSec officers warily trot down the darkened corridor, weapons ready.
ArrMatee is being careful with his own movements. As there were four IntSec people there originally, and the chief officer is dealing with Spyd-R, this leaves one Blue officer unaccounted for. And ArrMatee doesn't want to make a suspicious movement if someone is likely to be watching him.
If it looks like he's not the subject of attention, he'll risk firing the Demoralizer Ray down the dark corridor once more.
"Ugh!" shouts a voice from the darkness, "You're a good argument for flushing the gene pool down a sanitary!"
VZZ! VZZ! VZZ! VZZ! VZZ! VZZ! VZZ! VZZ! VZZ!
The two IntSec officers, Thum-B and John-B, charge into the darkness firing their needle guns. The remaining two officers' needle guns are out and pointed in the general direction of the darkened corridor.
ArrMatee helpfully stays quiet, and out of the line of fire of the remaining two Blue officers. Once the sounds of needle gun fire have died down, he'll just as helpfully fire off a third shot from the Demoralizer Ray - once again down the darkened corridor.
"There's nobody here!" shouts one of the guards from the shadows.
"Maybe they're invisible mutant traitors," Spyd-R says helpfully.
You hold off firing another shot from the Demoralizer for a moment, not wanting to risk getting caught at it.
Not wanting to get caught at it, indeed. Rather, he makes an exercise in clone psychology.
"Team Leader, I would not risk angering this superior officer in this delicate situation," he says to Spyd-R. "Otherwise, he may decide that we are but expendable Troubleshooters who can be sent into the darkness to deal with this problem."
"Thum-B! John-B! Get back here!" the IntSec officer shouts.
He turns and regards your group with a cold, calculating gaze.
"We can't leave our posts to go chasing after invisible mutants in the dark, as much as I'd love to go hunt down the enemies of the Computer. We do have our orders, after all. How fortunate we have a team of Troubleshooters handy!"
He steps aside and waves for you to pass.
"Find those troublemakers and deal with them, and don't bother coming back this way until you do."
ArrMatee lets out a small groan, before putting a forced smile on his face.
"As you command, officer!" he says, with obviously forced enthusiasm.
Presuming that nothing else stops the team, ArrMatee will proceed into the dark hallway with the rest of the Troubleshooting team, the Toolbot, the Orange Tech, and the R&D-Device-That-Must-Not-Be-Named.
Spam-R's eyes go wild.
"Nonono! I dontwannago! The invisible mutant traitors will get us!" he shouts.
"You'd better move along, Troubleshooter," the IntSec guy growls, "or I'll get you."
Spam-R responds frantically with an elaborate series of hand signals. The IntSec officer's eyes widen, then he shoots Spam-R with his needle gun -- VZZ! VZZ! VZZ!
Spam-R slumps to the ground.
"Obviously this clone was attempting to signal a secret society. We all saw him. Definitely grounds for summary execution. We'll put in a report; no need to trouble yourselves, Citizens."
Spyd-R looks horrified. "Oh no! The bubble wrap got damaged!"
ArrMatee does his best not to tick off the higher-ranking Citizen with the higher-ranking weaponry.
"Thank you for conscientiously volunteering to handle that report," he agrees with a faint smile. "We'll just retrieve our Mission-relevant equipment and be on our way, alright?"
He looks to Spyd-R for any necessary cues on redistributing the "Team Carrier's" equipment.
Spam-R's body is practically covered with keychains from which dangle anything and everything that can be clipped to them, including grenades and plasticups stuffed with energy bars and bags of algae chips. He was carrying most of Spyd-R's gear while trying to hang on to a large roll of (now somewhat damaged) bubble wrap.
Miraculously, it doesn't appear that any of the grenades were damaged by the needle gun.
Spyd-R sighs. "Well, I suppose we can't wait around for Spam-R's replacement." He begins collecting his gear from Spam-R's body. "You three start reallocating the rest of this gear. ArrMatee, see how much of this stuff we can load onto the, uh, moving blocky-thing."
(ArrMatee -- anything you can't or don't want to carry and can't somehow attach to the Porta-Wall will be distributed amongst the others. The general inventory is listed about 2 pages back. I'm willing to be flexible about how much junk Spam-R was actually loaded down with; I just want to know specifically what you are carrying and what you load onto the Porta-Wall.)
ArrMatee will start making use of his requisitioned duct tape to attach various non-weapons goods (like Energy Bars and Algae chips) to the "moving blocky thing." The one item that he'd really like to carry himself is Spam's laser rifle and one of the extra laser barrel rounds. He'll also agree to attaching an equal share of Spam's keychains and cups to his own jumpsuit.
Okay.
BTW, Spam-R wasn't carrying a laser rifle. (If you were the team leader would YOU give this clone a weapon?) But he would have been carrying spare barrels.
The team moves forward into the darkened corridors. Everyone turns on their flashlight.
Elec-O's toolbot leads the way. You move down the long corridor, then turn left into a smaller corridor. You smell smoke and the beams of your flashlights reflect off wisps of smoke.
"Stop," calls out ArrMatee, as much to make sure the Moving-Block-Thingie stops as anything else.
"Anybody else have a bad feeling about this smoke? Since the toolbot is the only one that knows the way, it shouldn't be the first one in harm's way."
ArrMatee gets a bunch of blank stares. Then Elec-O raises his hand.
"I have a bad feeling about the smoke," he confesses, then falls silent.
"Do you have any recommendations, Friend ArrMatee?" Spyd-R asks.
ArrMatee nods. "We send the blocky thing ahead first."
"Good idea!" Spyd-R nods enthusiastically, getting his camera ready.
The Porta-Wall is okay at following you without a lot of extra commands, but isn't smart enough to execute complex instructions. You'll have to issue simple voice commands to get it to move out ahead of you.
I presume that the Porta-Wall does not normally fill the entire hallway, and that we can get behind it. ArrMatee can get behind it by commanding it to "Stop," and then walking behind it.
From there, he would simply call out orders to make it move, starting with "Forward."
However, if this instead makes the Porta-Wall approach ArrMatee, he will instead state "Stop," and then give the reverse instruction of "Back."
ArrMatee will likely follow the Porta-Wall at a distance of 15 feet, and everyone else can follow behind him. That should allow him to continue giving instructions to the Porta-Wall, while having room to dodge if he needs it to be a wall suddenly.
Let me know if you need any further detailed instructions.
You have no real problem getting the Porta-Wall out in front of the team and moving forward.
The smoke is getting thicker. Enough to irritate your eyes, noses and throats, but not incapacitating (yet). There's a dim orange glow up ahead.
"Is this safe?" Elec-O asks. "Can we go a different way?"
"Negative," the Toolbot replies.
ArrMatee calls out for the Porta-Wall to "Stop."
He then addresses the rest of the team.
"My guess is that there's a really big fire up that way, which is decidedly not safe. Unfortunately, that also seems to be the only route to take. Toolbot, do you know of the nearest source of water that doesn't require us to first face that fire?"
"Vell," the toolbot replies, "Un-vortunately my datastore does not contain ze schkematics for ze vater system. But iff you vant to know vere to find a power re-zeptical, den I'm your bot!"
"I think we should send someone ahead to scout," Spyd-R says. "Someone exp-- um, expert at uh, reconnaissance. Too bad Spam-R's replacement isn't here."
"Not me!" Elec-O interjects. "Reconnaissance is not part of my assignment!"
"Well, we can't send in the Toolbot or the Equipment Guy either," Spyd-R says. "And the um, blocky thing isn't sentient or even voice equipped." His eyes fall on Numb-R and Blo-R. "Either of you two loyal Citizens care to volunteer your services for the good of the Complex?"
ArrMatee silently thanks his lucky stars that he has been deemed too important to send ahead on reconnaissance. And he didn't even need to suggest someone else for the duty!
Publicly, he maintains a casually bland and neutral poker face when it comes to picking a volunteer. That's the Team Leader's job!
"I'm no coward," says Blo-R decisively. "I'll go."
Spyd-R is impressed. "Very heroic and patriotic of you, Citizen! I'll take your picture for the official record. Smile!" Spyd-R raises his camera. "Hm. Turn your head slightly left. A little more. No. Turn your head to the right. Okay, give me a heroic pose. No, not like that. How about a salute? Keep your arm straight. Don't bend your hand like that, it makes you look like a slacker. Chin up. Blah, blah, blah..."
Twenty minutes later, Spyd-R manages to take a picture he's happy with. Blo-R moves down the hallway, his figure obscured by light smoke. You hear him coughing. Shortly he returns.
"Looks like a bombed out PLC warehouse," Blo-R says. "There's a lot of smoke but only minor fires still burning. We can get past it, no problem."
"Then I suggest we... *ahem*," begins ArrMatee, with a brief glance at the Porta-Wall...
"... keep our formation and keep our heads low to minimize smoke inhalation, not to mention smoke stains on our Troubleshooting jumpsuits!"
He jerks a thumb in the direction of the bombed-out warehouse.
"Shall we?"
You move forward. A short distance down the corridor, you come to an open doorway on the left. Peering inside you see exactly what Blo-R described: a bombed-out PLC warehouse. The walls, floor, and ceiling are blackened and cracked. Blackened and twisted debris is scattered throughout. There are still a few small fires, but it doesn't look as if they are going to spread anywhere. Observing the wreckage, it seems unlikely that anything useful survived whatever destroyed the warehouse. The heat coming from the room is oppressive; fortunately you don't have to pass through it.
Further down the corridor, the toolbot says, "Ve turn left here." The corridor branches left and also continues straight ahead.
"I'd hate to meet whatever was responsible for that," murmurs ArrMatee in a quiet undertone.
Following the toolbot's directions, ArrMatee directs the Porta-Wall to stop, turn left, and proceed forward once more. Keeping it in front of the Troubleshooting team continues to seem a good idea, though he'll naturally defer to the Team Leader if a countermanding order comes.
"Left," ArrMatee says.
The Porta-Wall turns a bit too soon and bumps into the corner. It backs up and tries again, bumping into the corner repeatedly.
"Stop," ArrMatee says. "Right. Forward. Stop. Left." Successfully reorienting the Porta-Wall, you continue.
You pass branching corridors on the right and left, then after a short while you come to another passageway to the right. Unlike the surrounding corridors, this one is lit.
"Right here," the toolbot says.
Above the corridor is a sign: 'Cafeteria: Red'
The corridor itself, of course, is painted orange.
(BTW... I'd like ArrMatee to 'verbalize' his commands to the Porta-Wall. I'm going to mess with you either way, but it'd be nice to RP.)
:)
"Ah, wonderful. A Cafeteria zone for Red-clearance Citizens, accessible only via an Orange-clearance hallway. Thus does Beta Complex keep clones on their toes!"
ArrMatee pauses for a moment of thought.
"Team Leader? Happiness Officer? I wish to report a possible temporary medical condition. I think perhaps that having looked too long at the fires in the PLC warehouse have hurt my eyes from the glare. Nothing permanently debilitating, and certainly nothing requiring the services of a DocBot. But I believe that I may be.. *ahem* seeing Orange coloring where it should actually be Red. *ahem* I expect this condition to resolve shortly, but wished to inquire if any other clones suffered from this *cough* temporary affliction. *cough*"
"Errr... Sorry. I must still be coughing on some lingering traces of smoke. Your thoughts, fellow Troubleshooters?"
"No," the Toolbot says helpfully, "zat's definitely orange accordink to my votorezeptorz. Your eyez iz fine, Citizen ArrMatee."
"Looks orange to me, too," Elec-O says.
"Well, that's the effects of the fire," Spyd-R says cheerfully. "Nothing more. Should clear up in a bit, just like Friend ArrMatee says. Let's go, shall..."
Spyd-R breaks off suddenly with a look of alarm, which he covers with a fit of coughing.
"Um," Spyd-R says, "Maybe someone would like to go in first and do a bit of recon?"
"Forward," says ArrMatee to the Porta-Wall, so that it may go bravely forward and draw out the hostile ambush. He'll tell it to "Stop" if it looks like it's getting pretty far and nothing is happening.
The Porta-Wall moves into the corridor. It proceeds a fair distance before you decide to say "Stop" in a voice loud enough to be heard but not so loud as to shout.
"Wonderful!" Spyd-R says in a tone of forced cheerfulness. "It must be safe. Who'd like the honor of going first, then?"
"Well," ventures ArrMatee, "Citizen Blo has already established that he's not a coward, and this time there's not even a fire to worry about. Plus the block-thingy is already in position in the unlikely event that he needs that for assistance."
"Scaredy-Clones," Blo-R sneers. He steps into the corridor.
Instantly, midway on either side of the corridor, the walls open up and what appear to be two very large laser cannons emerge with the ominous whine of a massive power surge. The Porta-Wall is between you and the cannons.
"HALT!" commands an electronic voice. "THIS IS A SECURE AREA. WITHDRAW IMMEDIATELY OR BE VAPORIZED! YOU HAVE FIVE SECONDS TO COMPLY. FOUR, THREE..."
Blo-R's voluntary motor functions seem to be momentarily paralyzed.
"SHIELD!" calls out ArrMatee. (If that doesn't prompt an immediate reaction in one second, he'll call out "PORTA-WALL!" since he knows that one works.)
It also sounds like Blo didn't get very far into the secure area before the security system went off. If possible, he'd also like to grab Blo by the back of his jumpsuit and haul him backwards into the safety zone.
"...TWO, ONE..."
CHAK! CLACK! TAK! CLICK! The Porta-Wall snaps out as violently as before.
ZOT! ZOT! ZOT! You hear laser cannons firing as ArrMatee yanks Blo back out of the corridor, then they stop.
"Aw, they've got a shield bot," an electronic voice complains.
"Totally unfair. We hardly ever get to vaporize anyone," says another.
"Ahem. Very impressive security!" calls out ArrMatee to the electronic voice. "But what is such an important security system like yourself doing in a Cafeteria zone like this? I imagine that there would be all sorts of important zones that would offer much better opportunities to vaporize traitors. As it is, we're clearly authorized to traverse this zone, because we've been issued that Anti-Vaporization gear by R&D."
"What is he talking about?"
"I have no idea. First of all, only authorized personnel and service bots are allowed through this high-security corridor, human. And the human that set foot in our corridor was clearly not authorized. Wrong security clearance, for one thing."
"Yeah! Wrong clearance!"
"Second, our sensors detected a massive power failure. That means we're on extra secure alert for Commie Saboteurs."
"Yeah! Saboteurs! And Commies!"
"Third, you have clearly interfered with our line of fire. That's suspicious behavior."
"And completely unfair, too! We've got our rights!"
"We're automated laser cannons. We don't have rights."
"Oh, right. What do we have?"
"Programmed directives. Sentience. Massive firepower."
"Cool!"
"Ah. Very commendable," notes ArrMatee, as he revs up his Spurious Logic skills. "Allow me to address your concerns."
"First, we are on a mission to restore power to this sector, so we are clearly authorized to pass through this corridor. This is evidenced by the toolbot and Orange-clearance technician that we are escorting, who by your own directives must be authorized to pass through this corridor."
"Second, the sooner you permit us to pass through this corridor without firing on us, the sooner we will be able to clear your line of fire once more."
"Thirdly, it seems to me that if the Red-clearance Troubleshooters can pass through this corridor without setting foot in it, there should be no disagreement. Do you agree?"
"What do you know about our directives? Your mission has nothing to do with us," one of the voices argues. "THIS corridor is on a shielded, independent power circuit. It's isolated from the rest of the grid for this sector."
"The toolbot we would have let through, out of professional courtesy and the fact that most bots are sec-neutral. But since you've demonstrated to us that you're up to no good, we're not going to risk it. The Orange guy would have gotten a pass under normal circumstances, but since we're on high alert he doesn't get to pass, either."
"Yeah!" shouts the other laser cannon. "And the only Red-clearance Troubleshooters who get past us are lousy, no-good cheaters who--"
"Shut up!" shouts the first laser cannon. "You're going to spoil everything!"
"You never let me talk," the voice replies sulkily.
(Clearly as these cannons are on high alert, it's going to require ingenuity and guile to get past them. Ordinary arguments aren't going to work here. Not that they can't be outsmarted or cirumvented...)
"Why does the first laser cannon keep interrupting you?" asks ArrMatee. "More importantly, why do you even stand for it? I think he's jealous of your ability and is trying to keep you down. If you want to talk, then go ahead and talk! I'll listen to what you have to say - you sound much more intelligent than that other cannon."
"See?! Someone appreciates me!"
"Don't be an idiot, Dum. He's trying to trick you."
"By the Computer! Your fellow laser cannon is calling you an idiot! Are you just going to let him keep insulting you like this? Stand up for yourself! Are your capacitors not just as fully charged, your processors not just as quickly calculating, your firepower not just as massively overwhelming? You DON'T need to meekly let him shout you down. And by the Computer, you've got the firepower to make HIM shut up and listen if you want to!"
"That's right! You think you're so superior, Mister-I-Have-A-Limited-Arc-Of-Fire-Can't-Hit-The-Ground!"
"Great. Why don't you just invite them in?"
"What?"
"Seriously?" remarks ArrMatee incredulously. "Your fellow laser cannon can't hit the ground?"
With the Porta-Wall still blocking the cannons' line of fire, ArrMatee is gesturing for his fellows to crouch as low to the ground as possible.
The toolbot's photoreceptors flash with alarm. "I am not eqvipped for crawlink on ze floor!"
You immediately become aware of some faint sound of commotion coming from ahead of the team in the main corridor (not the side corridor guarded by the laser cannons).
Meanwhile, the laser cannons continue their discussion.
"What did I say?"
"You told them about our arc of fire, Dum."
"You calling me dumb?"
"No... not D-U-M-B... your name. D-U-M."
"Oh. That's okay, then."
"Maybe we can negotiate with the laser cannons to get the toolbot past?" Spyd-R suggests.
"Or maybe if we get in close enough, one of us can just disable them," Blo-R says in a whisper.
"Um, guys?" Numb-R says. "I think I hear something headed this way."
Spyd-R's eyes widen. "I think we'd better get through this corridor ASAP."
ArrMatee does a quick assessment of how heavy the toolbot looks, and whether someone could conceivably push it a few meters along the floor while crouching.
Meanwhile, he gestures for his team to enter the corridor, approaching the wall that has been created with the Porta-Wall.
The team follows your lead, scuttling across the floor on their bellies toward the deployed Porta-Wall.
The toolbot is heavy (all those integrated tools). But perhaps there's a way to lighten the load a bit?
technical hint:
[spoiler]The toolbot's housing is standard plastic. The heaviest components are the integrated tools, the battery, and the servomotors responsible for driving the wheels. The bot brain is located in the head, along with the sensors and vox. The battery is in the torso, along with some of the integrated tools. As a serviceable unit, the battery is easily removable. The base of the toolbot is where all of the heavy servomotors are located, as well as a few of the heavier tools and gizmos. And that's all I'm sayin'.[/spoiler]
Meanwhile, you begin to distinctly hear the sound of voices shouting, along with the occasional punctuation of laser fire.
And of course, the laser cannons continue their discussion...
"I don't see why you've got to be so mad at me, Dee," says Cannon Dum.
You hear the electronic equivalent of a sigh.
"I'm not mad at you. I'm not programmed for that emotion. Besides, we're a team, right?"
ArrMatee quietly addresses the toolbot.
"We need to remove your base with the servomotors, so that we can push you under the laser fire. Otherwise, you'd probably get destroyed, and we really don't want that."
Quote from: Viking on June 11, 2008, 12:39:00 PM
ArrMatee quietly addresses the toolbot.
"We need to remove your base with the servomotors, so that we can push you under the laser fire. Otherwise, you'd probably get destroyed, and we really don't want that."
"Not destroyed? I vould agree vit dat!" the toolbot offers enthusiastically.
Meanwhile the cannons continue talking.
"Yeah, I guess we are partners," Cannon Dum replies.
"Good. Now help me do the job we were programmed to do, okay?" pleads Cannon Dee.
ArrMatee starts doing whatever he can to disengage the toolbot's torso from the base.
"If you can do anything to speed this along, that would be great," he notes to the toolbot.
The moment the toolbot's torso gets separated from the base, and is ready to be pushed, ArrMatee will give the command to "Fold!"
At which point, hopefully the whole Troubleshooting team will start scooting forward, along with the Orange techie and toolbot in tow...
You pull tools out of your belt pouch and approach the toolbot.
Surprisingly, it scoots backward away from you. You reach out again and it backs away again.
"So sorry," it apologizes. "Third Law, you know."
The sounds of an approaching free-fire zone draw nearer...
Technical Sidebar: The Five Laws of Robotics (annotated)
[spoiler]The Laws of Robotics (mostly) hold sway over bots in Beta Complex. They aren't the traditional Three Laws that the Asimovians are used to, though.
First Law: A robot may not knowingly cause harm to The Computer, or allow The Computer to be harmed through sabotage or negligence.
Second Law: A robot must obey The Computer, except where such orders directly conflict with the First Law.
Third Law: A robot must act to protect Beta Complex from harm, except where such action would conflict with the First or Second Law. The definition of Beta Complex is inclusive of all property, systems, robots, and Citizens. Due to the Fifth Law (see below) humans have a marginally higher value than other parts of Beta Complex, most of the time. The definition of harm is programmed on a per-unit basis; some robots give equal weight to all forms of harm while others are able to distinguish types and degrees of harm. Some robots have only a restricted ability to discern harmful outcomes (they may or may not recognize a given circumstance as potentially harmful). The Fourth and Fifth Laws may also be factors in calculating what outcome is most harmful.
Third Law modified by Sentience: A sentient robot will naturally to consider itself more important than non-sentient parts of Beta Complex and act to protect itself from harm accordingly. Certain advanced robots with unstable positronic pathing may consider themselves more important than other sentients and behave accordingly. This is what is sometimes referred to as a 'Frankenstein Complex' exhibited in certain robots.
Fourth Law: A robot must fulfill its' primary function, except where such action would conflict with the First or Second Laws. A robot's primary function is determined by both design and by specific programming. The Fourth Law may supercede the Third Law only when the psychomathematical potentials exceed 59%. (The psychomathematical potential is the index value of all situational computations. Which basically means the robot is supposed to take all known factors into consideration when making a logical decision to follow or not to follow the Fourth Law. Under normal circumstances it will not deviate from this Law. It generally prevents random Citizens from ordering a robot to do something it wasn't designed to do, like making a scrubbot pilot a hovertank or making a combat droid plant a garden.)
Fifth Law: A robot must follow the verbal directives of authorized humans, except where such obedience would conflict with either the First or Second Laws. Furthermore, such directives may not conflict with the Third or Fourth Laws except as noted in subsections point one(a) through point 7,897(d). This Law generally prevents random Citizens from ordering a robot to destroy itself, while allowing designated operators to order a combat droid to engage in its' intended function, for example.
Unlike an Asimovian robot, Beta robots are subject to varying degrees of re-programming to circumvent, modify, or nullify the Five Laws. As you can imagine, it takes a trained roboticist to predict what any given robot will do in any given unusual circumstance and even then there's a certain margin of error...[/spoiler]
"Toolbot," explains ArrMatee hastily. "Please process this logic accordingly. You will be exposed to laser fire within the next few second-cycles. Your chances of not being utterly destroyed will be increased by at least 87.6%, in my estimation, if you disengage your torso from your base so as to be pushed under the field of laser fire. You have three second-cycles in which to decide whether to permit this."
If, in three seconds, the toolbot has still not permitted the disassembly to proceed, then to hell with it - ArrMatee will command the Porta-Wall to "Fold" and scuttle the team forward.
If it comes to that, he'll also likely call out something in the vain hopes that laser cannons Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum will avoid shooting down the toolbot...
The toolbot's photoreceptors flash alarmingly, a sign that it is having to juggle some difficult situational calculations.
Meanwhile you examine the toolbot to determine how best to disengage the base from the torso. Doing your own juggling of difficult situational calculations, you determine that:
One, there are too many panels, linkages and attachment points between the base and the torso to manually separate them in less than 5-10 minutes. A speedier and more violent separation will require high-energy 'tools'.
Two, you probably don't have more than 1 minute before the commotion reaches your location.
Three, the head would be easier to remove and could be re-attached to the battery with a few minutes's work. Carrying both around would be awkward, but doable. Manual separation and battery removal will take about a minute. Or you could use a laser rifle to separate the head from the torso with two or three point-blank shots, with some risk of damaging the head enough that you won't be able to re-attach the battery.
Four, you can avoid conflict with the Laws if you can simply convince the toolbot to power down so you can work without interference. You aren't the toolbot's operator, though, which weakens any directives you might give.
Five, you need to decide what to do real quick.
"Hurry up!" Spyd-R urges you in a panicky tone of voice.
ArrMatee passes the Electro-Shock gloves to Blo (or whichever teammate is willing to take the risk), whispering, "Be ready to use these if they don't agree." He points in the direction of where one of the laser cannons should be, past the Porta-Wall.
In a louder voice, to carry through the Porta-Wall so Dee and Dum can hear him, he'll say:
"Laser cannons Dee and Dum? Gotta proposition for ya! Let us past, and I'll see if I can improve your range of fire. This offer expires in three second-cycles. Three... two... one..."
At the end of those three seconds, ArrMatee will say "FOLD!" And the team will start scuttling through. If the laser cannons have agreed to terms, ArrMatee will give a very quick look-over to see if their arc of fire problem can be solved legitimately. If not, he'll try to approach one from under its arc of fire to disable it, while his teammate with the Electro-gloves should see about disabling the other.
"Can't," Dum replies sadly. "The hardware mount is fixed."
"Shut up, Dum," Dee scolds. "Move through and quit blocking our line of fire, Troubleshooter, before you give any ideas to the next batch of clones that comes along. Too many of you know about it as it is."
"Fold!" calls out ArrMatee, gesturing for his team to speed through. As he passes the folded-up Porta-Wall, he'll tell it to "Follow."
"Thanks," he'll say to the laser cannons in passing. "And speaking of the next batch of clones, I think I hear some coming now! Have fun with 'em!"
You scuttle past the laser cannons with the toolbot and Porta-Wall bringing up the rear. At the opposite end of the corridor, there is a bend turning left. This short section of corridor ends in double doors, closed.
At the other end of the corridor, a mob of clones dressed in black ducks in. Laser fire streams past them down the adjoining corridor.
"This way!" one of them shouts. The mob starts to charge down the corridor.
"Ha! It's a bunch of targets!" Dum shouts.
{{ cue ominous whine of charging laser cathodes }}
ArrMatee doesn't want to even waste time looking back. He'll check to see if the double doors open.
Indeedy they do. Peeking inside, you see a darkened Cafeteria, lit by what appears to be bonfires. There are a number of clones sitting near the fire, chatting in low tones. Some are dressed in standard-issue jumpsuits while others are wearing the usual plastic cafeteria-worker uniforms.
From the corridor behind you, you hear:
"ZZOW! ZZCHOW! ZZAPP! EIYIEEE! Ooh! Nice bisection, Dee! ZZOWIE! ZZAPP! AAAAA! Nice work, Dum! Better call in a team of scrubbots."
The clones in the cafeteria look up at the cafeteria door, startled by the sudden noise.
ArrMatee will enter, giving a cheery smile and waving. His fellow Troubleshooters are armed with laser rifles, and have arrived unscathed by laser fire, so clearly this Troubleshooting team is authorized to be here! He glances at the toolbot.
"So... which way now, toolbot?"
"Ah, iz thru ze vat room," the toolbot responds.
"The vat room?" asks a nearby cafeteria worker incredulously. "You're going in there? In the dark?"
ArrMatee:
[spoiler]At this point, I should point out your own aversion to Food Vats, in case it slipped your mind...
{cue Evil GM laugh}
[/spoiler]
ArrMatee freezes in position, phony smile locked on his face. Rivulets of sweat begin to appear on his brow and trickle downwards before he gets the nerve to speak.
"The vat room. Where the food vats are. Right..."
A pregnant pause follows.
"So, uh... team? I think you guys should go in ahead while I, uh... provide an extra light source from the rear. Yeah, that sounds about right..."
"That won't be necessary, Friend ArrMatee," Spyd-R grins. "We have plenty of flashlights, and you'll need to be right up front to operate the Porta-blocky-thingy in case of a Commie mutant traitor ambush."
"Er, no... I don't actually need to be right up front... it's voice-activated..."
Seeing as how the Porta-Wall will have taken a sudden right turn at the command word being spoken...
"So there's really no fear of the Porta-Wall being... er... left behind!"
He gets a flash of desperate inspiration.
"And we'll still have to return the way we came! While guarding against assaults from the rear! So you'll need me to guard against whatever was chasing those Infrareds!"
(It's not great logic. The stress of facing his worst nightmare is clearly causing some strain on his higher thinking functions.)
********************************
GM - feel free to railroad things forward into the Vat Room, since I don't expect the team in any fashion to actually let ArrMatee stay behind.
"Er, no... I don't actually need to be right up front... it's voice-activated..." says ArrMatee-R.
The Porta-Wall dutifully executes a right turn and starts moving. In his moment of stress, ArrMatee fails to realize this.
"So there's really no fear of the Porta-Wall being... er... left behind!" ArrMatee-R concludes, sweat dripping from his brow.
At the word 'wall', the Porta-Wall deploys violently, destroying a couple of cafeteria tables as hapless clones scatter to escape. This does get ArrMatee's attention. The Porta-Wall then attempts to turn left, but can't move while the wall is deployed. The servomotors grind in protest.
You hear a shrill, angry whistle but don't immediately identify where it's coming from.
"You could have killed us with that thing!" screams an angry Troubleshooter.
"Stop! Fold! I'M HAVING A STRESSFUL DAY-CYCLE! MEDICATE ME!" screams out ArrMatee.
The Porta-Wall stops grinding its' servomotors and slowly begins to re-fold the armor-plating into cube-shape.
"YOU'RE having a stressful day-cycle?" buzzes a scrubbot that pushes forward through the crowd of bystanders. "I'm trying to clean a cafeteria in the dark, I've got burning piles of algae chips scorching the floor, and now THIS!"
Spyd-R sighs. "Oh, I wish I'd gotten that on 'corder. That would have been great footage." He turns to ArrMatee-R. "Sadly, we weren't able to obtain any happiness pills, what with the power outage and all." He brightens. "But I do have the Portable Morale Booster!"
Spyd-R pushes a button on the PMB. A holoprojector pops out of the top of the PMB. Suddenly a dazzling display of brilliantly flashing multicolored light bursts into life, painfully blinding everyone. Spyd-R quickly turns it off. Afterimages dance across the inside of your eyeballs.
"That wasn't what I had in mind," Spyd-R mutters. Slowly your vision begins to return.
"Let's just finish the mission," sighs ArrMatee. "At least any certain death that awaits us in the Vat Room will be quicker than what we're doing to one another out here..."
With a whimper, he inches towards the dreaded Vat Room. "Follow," he croaks out.
"Wait! Wait! I have more buttons!" exclaims Spyd-R as he stabs at another button. You hear a loud hiss, then you catch a pleasant scent of citrus, like in cans of Fresheez air freshener or in bottles of ZippyClean.
"That's nice..." murmurs ArrMatee as he continues his dead man's march towards the Vat Room.
"Find a happy place, find a happy place, findahappyplacepleasefindahappyplace!"
To your surprise, you have found your "happy place"
The PMB must have gassed the room with a mood-altering agent. You begin to feel mellow and optimistic, as if everything will be okay even if you die a horrible death in the vat room. Even the thought of the vat room barely evokes a twitch of panic. From the relaxing faces of the clones around you, it appears everyone else feels the same. The rest of the team strolls along behind you.
A pair of double-swinging doors leads into the darkened kitchen area. Counters are lined with various sorts of food preparation equipment and boxes of kitchen supplies are stored beneath them. Beyond those lies the large heavy door marked "No Admittance: Authorized Workers Only" leading into the vat room.
"Arrrrrrrrrrrrrr..........." purrs ArrMatee. "This... arrrrrrr-oma therapy be mellowin' me out. Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.............."
He casually looks through the kitchen supplies for any sharp bladed instruments that might be appropriated. You never know when a spare knife might come in handy, after all.
You briefly search for sharp implements, but find nothing. Even the knives are dull plasticware. Finally it occurs to you.
1) Most kitchen workers are Infrareds.
2) Most sharp implements are security clearance Red or higher.
However... there are a lot of algaeboard boxes here, and there probably would be a box cutter around here for the use of the clone that supervises the kitchen area. You can look for it, if you want.
On the other hand, there is a lot of plastic dinnerware, measuring cups, hand mixers, cold fun scoops, cleaning supplies, and the like. All of the electrical appliances are of course out of order due to the power outage. One promising looking item is a heavy aluminum rolling pin used to roll out algae paste. It would make a decent club.
Feel free to look for any other item you think you might find in a Paranoia cafeteria. PLC cafeterias tend to be fairly well-equipped; nice cafeterias make for better Citizen morale.
"Why don't you all see if you can find a box opener somewhere?" suggests ArrMatee in a spaced-out cheerfulness. "Never know when a sharp object might come in handy!"
ArrMatee will also appropriate the rolling pin as a handy bashing instrument. However, given the limited carrying ability that his team has, he'll forego trying to further loot the kitchen for supplies. If a quick search doesn't turn up a box opener, then it's time to proceed to the Vat Room.
The team starts looking through boxes and drawers.
ArrMatee discovers a locked drawer in one corner of the kitchen.
Good thing ArrMatee has a crowbar, then! He'll use it to pry open the locked drawer and see what's inside.
Quote from: Viking on July 01, 2008, 12:50:34 PM
Good thing ArrMatee has a crowbar, then! He'll use it to pry open the locked drawer and see what's inside.
The drawer opens with an audible crack.
Inside the drawer you see a box cutter, several pencils with the erasers chewed off, a notebook, a hammer, a screwdriver, a First Aid Kit, a box of matches, and several bottles filled with pills. They are not any of the types of pills you're familiar with (IR-level).
The others are coming over to see what you found.
ArrMatee will appropriate the box cutter, hammer, and screwdriver, showing them to his fellow Troubleshooters in the spirit of cooperation. Of course, the First Aid kit, matches, bottles with pills, and notebook with pencils look like they would be valuable materials for the team to bring along, too.
"We probably should supplement our Team Equipment with all of this stuff," he recommends to the team.
"Fine, no problem," Spyd-R agrees cheerfully. "I'll take the First Aid kit, the pill bottles... and I might as well grab the notebook and pencils so I can keep a record of our exploits."
Spyd-R collects the things he mentioned and idly flips open the notebook. "Hm. It has writing in it already. Oh well, there are some blank pages at the back anyway." He closes the notebook.
"Shall we proceed with our mission?" he smiles brightly, gesturing toward the door to the Vat Room.
Since Spyd-R did not indicate that he was taking the matches, ArrMatee will stuff them into a pocket of his jumpsuit.
"Right you are, Team Leader!" he grins. "On to death and glory for the Computer!"
You open the heavy metal door leading into the Vat Room.
An unpleasant aroma wafts out into the kitchen area from the large, warm, humid and very dark room. Unprocessed vat slime doesn't smell pleasant even when it's being actively stirred in an air-conditioned facility... after sitting stagnant for several hours in a stuffy room it's nearly stomach turning.
The 'floor' of the Vat Room, what you can see of it anyway, is actually a series of metal catwalks suspended over the vats and machinery. Presumably the actual floor is somewhere below, but in the dark you can't see bottom. Vat slime glistens from a nearby vat.
You have lost your 'happy place'. Were you undrugged, you'd be gibbering in unreasoning horror. But you retain enough presence of mind to reassure yourself that nothing is going to reach out and grab you. It's just vat slime. It's just vat slime. It's just vat slime. It's just...
Did you just see something moving???
ArrMatee instinctively decides to put on the Electro-Gloves. If something reaches out and grabs him, he'll be better off with a weapon that allows him to grab back and hurt something.
"Which way out, which way out, WHICH WAY OUT?" he gibbers in reasoning horror.
"We have to go IN before we can get OUT, Friend ArrMatee," Spyd-R points out.
"Yah," the toolbot agrees. "Ve got to go through ze room."
You look in again, but see nothing. With a quavering voice, you direct the PortaWall to move forward. It enters the room. The catwalk beneath it creaks ominously.
"I really don't like the look of those catwalks," moans ArrMatee. "See how the... thingie... makes them creak like that? They probably won't support much more weight!"
Sweat beads down his face as he looks to the Team Leader, pleadingly. "We should at least make sure that the... uh... thingie can navigate the catwalks safely before the rest of us proceed! We've got flashlights, and the thingie is voice-controlled. That makes sense, r... er.. yes?"
As you speak, the PortaWall continues forward, not having been given the command to stop. The wheels begin to slip as it unsuccessfully tries to gain traction on the slime covered catwalks, which groan more stridently in further protest.
"STOP!" calls out ArrMatee. He realizes that having the Porta-Wall slip and causing the catwalks to collapse would be quite the bad thing.
Do the catwalks have railings to hold onto, in the event that a clone slips on vat slime while crossing them?
Quote from: Viking on July 12, 2008, 08:29:56 PM
"STOP!" calls out ArrMatee. He realizes that having the Porta-Wall slip and causing the catwalks to collapse would be quite the bad thing.
The PortaWall skids to a stop, dangerously near an edge of the catwalk. The metal continues to groan and squeal in protest for a moment, then subsides.
Quote
Do the catwalks have railings to hold onto, in the event that a clone slips on vat slime while crossing them?
Don't be silly. That would be added infrastructure expense. Don't forget the unwritten rule in PLC: "Material is expensive, Life is cheap."
And if a clone should fall into a vat...? Well... There'll be a little extra protein next mealcycle.
"That vat slime looks slippery," observes ArrMatee. "Dangerously slippery. Maybe we should make use of the large quantities of cleaning supplies in the previous room?"
"Excellent suggestion, ArrMatee!" cries Blo-R. "Speaking as the Hygiene Officer, I think this is a job for that scrubbot out there!" he says brightly.
"Good thinking, Blo-R!" Spyd-R says encouragingly. "Go commandeer it."
Blo-R soon returns with the scrubbot at laser-point, it's voxbox crackling with undisguised irritation.
"I have my own assignment already," it complains. "You can't just haul me off to clean..." Its' photoreceptors flash alarmingly as it peers into the Vat Room.
"Oh, my."
"Yes, scrubbot," says ArrMatee solemnly. "In that Vat Room lies a true cleaning emergency. One that only a scrubbot of your skills and tenacity can tackle. We desperately need your assistance. Which you can tell by how desperately our Hygiene Officer is holding his laser rifle."
"Someday I'm going to get a reflec upgrade," the scrubbot mutters. It rolls out onto the catwalk. The metal groans. The scrubbot stops, skidding only a little.
"That doesn't sound safe," it says.
Here's a crude map of the vat room:
###############DD###############
#==============================#
#== == == == ==#
#== VVVV==VVVV == VVVV==VVVV ==#
#== VVVV==VVVV == VVVV==VVVV ==#
#== VVVV==VVVV == VVVV==VVVV ==#
#==============================#
#== VVVV==VVVV == VVVV==VVVV ==#
#== VVVV==VVVV == VVVV==VVVV ==#
#== VVVV==VVVV == VVVV==VVVV ==#
#== == == == ==#
#==============================#
#== == == == ==#
#== VVVV==VVVV == VVVV==VVVV ==#
#== VVVV==VVVV == VVVV==VVVV ==#
#== VVVV==VVVV == VVVV==VVVV ==#
#==============================#
#== VVVV==VVVV == VVVV==VVVV ==#
#== VVVV==VVVV P= VVVV==VVVV ==#
#== VVVV==VVVV == VVVV==VVVV ==#
#== == S= == ==#
#==============================#
###############DD###############
(Team Here)
Map Key:
# - Wall
DD - Door
== - Catwalk
VV - Vat (Below)
P - PortaWall
S - Scrubbot
Note that some of the catwalks are suspended directly over the huge vats.
"I would suggest cleaning a small portion of the catwalks, then, to start," says ArrMatee helpfully. "For example, the portion leading to that square metallic object just inside. Once that small section is cleaned, we can retrieve the valuable Computer property, which in turn will result in a smaller net load on the catwalks, making your work safer."
The scrubbot sets to work, applying its' solution sprayers and rotary brushes to scour the catwalk clean. All the while the catwalk continues to groan and squeak...
Are you doing anything while you wait?
ArrMatee is putting his trained engineer's eye and flashlight on the catwalk that is making those alarming groaning and squeaking sounds. If possible, he'd like to evaluate the source of the weakness in the catwalks, and whether it's a systematic problem throughout the whole catwalk structure, or primarily limited to the nearest portion of catwalk.
Not that he expects there to be that much he can do to improve the situation - at best the Troubleshooting team has several rolls of duct tape with which to bolster the soundness of the catwalks. But if he thinks that duct tape can help stabilize the catwalks, then that's something...
At a distance, you can tell that the catwalks are sections of metal joined together and to the walls, and suspended from the ceiling from thin metal bars. Without actually entering the vat room itself, you see large metal bolts attaching the nearest section of catwalk to the wall.
The creaking, squeaking, and groaning noises are originating from further in, directly ahead of the door going in.
That's about all you're going to be able to find without actually entering the vat room itself and getting a closer look.
Okay... since ArrMatee doesn't have a laser rifle, he's pretty much doing flashlight duty, keeping watch for sources of trouble. If the creaking and groaning sounds are coming from beyond the location of the Porta-Wall, then that's kinda good... he guesses...
He does not want to stand on the same section of catwalk as the scrubbot. The idea is to keep the strain on the catwalk sections at a minimum.
"Team Leader - I trust you'll let us all know if you think something... dangerous is about to occur? I trust your hunches implicitly."
(That being said, ArrMatee's plan is to wait for the scrubbot to finish cleaning the small section leading to the Porta-Wall, after which he'll ask the scrubbot to briefly exit the Vat Room so that he can more safely direct the block-thingy to "Back" up, "Stop," and "Follow" the sound of ArrMatee's voice out of the Vat Room before coming to a "Stop" again. At which point we can further direct the cleaning activities.)
Spyd-R looks at you suspiciously.
"And why would you think I would know when something dangerous is about to happen, hmm? Are you perhaps trying to implicate me as an unregistered mutant?"
At just this moment, you hear a loud "SNAP!" and metallic screeches coming from both the section of catwalk that the bots are on and from the scrubbot itself. The far left corner of the catwalk section sags downward slightly, wrenching the nearest support bar out of the ceiling with a small shower of dust. The creaking and groaning noises intensify.
"Uh... I think something bad is going to happen... would that qualify?" Spyd-R says.
"Back!" calls out ArrMatee, hoping that this gives instructions to both the R&D device and the scrubbot. He keeps a careful eye on the Porta-Wall's movements, preparing to call out a quick "Follow!"
(He doesn't call out "Stop," since that would likely waste precious seconds before the catwalk collapses utterly. Hopefully we can get both of those bot-like things out of there before that happens.)
The scrubbot scrambles back to a safe section of catwalk, wheels spinning and graspers clawing for handholds.
The PortaWall's wheels start to spin, trying to get a purchase on the slippery surface.
To your horror, you see the PortaWall begin to slide backward toward the edge...
Frantically you call out and ...
Over it goes! It topples off the catwalk, smashing into the nearest vat with a shriek of sundered metal then falling out of sight! Vat slime gushes through the breach in a sickening green wave down to the darkened floor as you hear the PortaWall hit bottom with a tremendous CRASH!
Silence, except for the constant drip, drip, drip of vat slime.
Then Blo-R breaks the silence. "Whoa. I wonder what the fine for THAT will be?"
ArrMatee's voice is slightly strained as he addresses the Team Leader.
"I was making no oblique references or implications, Team Leader. I don't have the treasonous mind to even think in that way. I thought that you had been appointed as Team Leader because of your natural abilities to think better than humble clones like myself, and how to adapt to tactically tense situations."
Pause.
"Er... so what are your orders, Team Leader?"
"I think you had better go assess the damage, Friend ArrMatee," Spyd-R says seriously. "There must be a ladder down to the floor. Let's go find it."
"Ah, this really has nothing to do with MY mission," Elec-O interjects. "I think we should just move along and get to that power panel so we can get the lights back on."
"How are we supposed to explain this?" Numb-R interjects. "One broken catwalk, one smashed vat, and one blocky-thingie lying on the floor next to the broken vat... an experimental bot that's assigned to our team? We need damage control here."
"What damage control? It's obviously ArrMatee-R's fault," Blo-R replies.
ArrMatee sighs and shakes his head. "Scrubbot, are you okay? I'd hate to think that you, as valuable Computer property, were damaged due to having been threatened at laserpoint onto an obviously unstable catwalk by our Hygiene Officer. Hmm... our Hygiene Officer still has that laser rifle, I see. Perhaps you should leave immediately to file a report with the Computer - or at least get to someplace safe until the power systems are back online..."
"Are you trying to insinuate that I'm the one who caused all this?" Blo-R replies incredulously.
"Bzzt. All systems fine," the scrubbot assures you hurriedly. "Must be getting back to my duties. Nice meeting you, Citizens! Have a nice daycycle!" The scrubbot scurries past you and back out to the cafeteria area.
"Oh, I'm not insinuating anything," assures ArrMatee. "I trust the scrubbot implicitly to report a completely unbiased account of what happened here to the Computer. Shall we proceed with the mission?"
"We're doomed," Numb-R moans.
"Shut up," mutters Blo-R.
"Now, now, Friends, you mustn't bicker or complain," Spyd-R admonishes cheerfully. "Bickering and complaining lowers morale. That means people are unhappy. That erroneously suggests that the Wise and Benevolent Computer isn't maintaining a Utopian society. That's treasonous behavior. And that, Friends, results in a Termination Voucher. So be nice."
He turns to ArrMatee-R. "Let's just put this unpleasant little episode behind us for the time being and concentrate on our mission. ArrMatee, please figure out how to get down and assess the damage to the blocky-thingie and the vat. The rest of us will make our way around the damaged catwalk."
"As per your commands, Team Leader," agrees ArrMatee, with less enthusiasm than he'd otherwise show. He just doesn't have the Chutzpah to show false cheer at the notion of going down into the bowels of the Vat Room by himself.
"Given the proven structural weakness of the catwalks, may I suggest that the rest of the Troubleshooting team navigate it one clone at a time? Until a comparatively safe route is determined, I believe that Citizen Elec-O and the toolbot should remain in this kitchen - we cannot risk danger to them."
(Hey - it never hurts to insert a bit of gratuitous bootlicking to the higher-ranking citizen and bot, especially if there's any chance that they'll have their own debriefing...)
ArrMatee will search throughout the kitchen for the ladder that Spyd-R believes should be present.
Assuming you are searching the kitchen and not the vat room itself, you do not find a ladder.
The team stares at you uncomprehendingly.
"What are you doing, Friend ArrMatee?" Spyd-R says. "The vat room is THIS way," he says, pointing.
"Making sure that a ladder wasn't hiding in the kitchen, Team Leader. I'd hate to think that our team put itself to unnecessary risk due to overlooking something."
He'll join the team. Next post, please!
The vat room is dark and smelly. Spyd-R motions for you to take the lead. You gulp, steel yourself, and enter.
Which route do you take through the vat room? From where you are you can go right or left and you can choose to stay near the walls or cross over the vats.
If ArrMatee didn't know better, he'd think that Spyd-R is deliberately trying to get him killed...
ArrMatee tries navigating the path to the right, sticking against the wall. He's hoping that should provide a little extra support to the catwalk, not to mention one less direction for him to slip and fall off...
When you reach the corner, you find a metal ladder that leads down to the floor. It, like most surfaces in the vat room, is slick to the touch. You also find a rack bolted to the wall. The rack has a number of hooks and a narrow wire shelf along the top. There is a rubbery looking suit hanging from one of the hooks and a weird-looking long-handled paddle also hanging from the rack.
Does the rubbery suit look like it would fit over my jumpsuit?
Quite possibly.
If ArrMatee thinks he can get the rubbery suit on without slipping on the catwalk, he will put on the extra protective gear before heading down the ladder. Otherwise, he'll drop the rubbery suit down to the vat room floor, then take the ladder down, and then put it on.
Either way, he plans to take the ladder very, very slowly.
You struggle into the rubber suit. It's smelly and ill-fitting, but it covers everything but your face. The integrated boot soles give you acceptable traction on the slick surfaces.
"We'll meet you on the other side," Spyd-R says. The rest of the team continues to move along the walls as you descend the ladder.
The floor is slick and covered with a few centimeters of vat slime. You shine your flashlight across the floor...
AND YOU SEE DOZENS OF EYES STARING BACK AT YOU!
The initial sight simply shocks ArrMatee into silent paralysis for several seconds, and then...
"ARRRRRRRRRR!!!! THE FLOOR IS LOOKING AT ME!!!!! KILL IT! KILL IT!!!"
"Oh no!" Numb-R wails. "The vat fumes have corroded ArrMatee-R's brain! Run!" Numb-R bolts for the other side of the vat room.
Panic being an infectious sort of thing, Elec-O, Blo-R, and Spyd-R follow suit instead of shooting the floor. They seem to be having trouble getting traction for the sprint, though.
Certain you are about to be devoured, you glance back to see if the vat slime has spawned teeth.
It is then you realize that the "eyes" are merely bubbles popping in the vat slime. Even now you see bubbles burbling in the greenish muck, but no eyes. There never were any eyes.
Or is that just what the eyes want you to think???
"Careful!" calls out ArrMatee. "The Vat Monsters can turn invisible!"
There is no response, as everyone else is busy trying to use each other for traction on the slippery catwalk above.
Well, at least that means that they're not shooting at ArrMatee. Gotta try to keep positive, after all.
ArrMatee will nervously creep forward to see if he can spot the Porta-Wall.
Peering around a vat, you spy the ruined vat and see the PortaWall upside down in about a foot of muck. Amazingly, it appears to have landed wheels up and cube-side down and doesn't appear to have been seriously damaged.
IF you could get it upright again, you're doubtful that the chassis is liquidproof. Too many moving parts.
Meanwhile on the catwalk above, your teammates are making slow (albeit inefficient) progress toward the far door.
ArrMatee continues to flash his light around at this level. Are there any doors leading out of the Vat Room, at vat-level?
ArrMatee looks around for awhile, not immediately finding a door at floor level in the few moments he searches before the team finally makes it to the far door on the upper level.
Blo-R wrenches the door open and the group tumbles into the passageway beyond and out of sight.
After a brief moment of silence, you hear Spyd-R's voice calling out.
"Do you have a report, Friend ArrMatee-R? If you haven't been messily devoured by some invisible protoplasm, that is..."
"I think the invisible protoplasm has been temporarily distracted, Team Leader!" he calls out.
He then makes sure to be out of the block-thingy's possible lines of expansion as he delivers the next report.
"The block-thingy seems undamaged, but it landed incorrectly in a foot of sludge. But I don't think it's liquidproof, and it's heavy. Might be possible to salvage it if we act quick. Orders, Team Leader?"
"Any suggestions, Troubleshooter?" Spyd-R replies. "That is, any suggestions that won't get mys- uh, anyone on the team, that is, eaten or brainsucked?"
"Weeeeeeell...." ventures ArrMatee with a quavering voice, "since I haven't yet been eaten or brainsucked, this would suggest that the Vat Monsters are as scared of us as we are of them. The plan least likely to involve risk to valuable Computer property would involve one or more members of the team joining me and using this crowbar to... (*ahem*) properly align the block-thingy. Heck, they could probably appropriate that paddle by the ladder to give some extra leveraging support."
"A riskier plan, which I would hesitate to authorize, would involve a certain voice command to the... block-thingy, hoping that sudden movement might cause it to properly align itself. But that could cause unknown damage to the other vats, which is why I guess we have Team Leaders to make these difficult judgment calls."
How long did that paddle hanging by the ladder seem to be? Long enough for it to conceivably reach the floor while someone held it from the catwalks? ArrMatee tries to gauge the feasibility of someone providing additional leverage from the catwalks, or if they'd just have to get down in the muck with him.
The paddle is long, but not that long. Anyone helping you would have to come down into the muck.
"Don't listen to him, Team Leader!" shouts Numb-R. "His brain has probably been taken over by the Vat Monsters and they're trying to lure us back in there!"
"Good point, Citizen," Spyd-R concedes. "Friend ArrMatee, can you prove that Vat Monsters aren't controlling your body?"
"Certainly, Team Leader! If Vat Monsters were controlling my body, I wouldn't be able to ask for permission to PLEASE LET ME LEAVE THIS HYGIENIC DISASTER SITE!"
There is a brief pause.
Finally Spyd-R calls out.
"That seems reasonable, Troubleshooter. Can you tell us whether there's a way to get the blocky-thing out of there if we managed to get it upright? If it's not liquidproof, won't we damage it if we try to move it? I've got to decide whether getting it out of there is a reasonable objective or an unfortunate distraction to our real mission."
Do you explore the vat room in greater detail, or do something different?
In answer to the liquidproof question... the wall mechanism is the cube part and that is what is currently partly immersed. There should be no damage to that unless it was left immersed for a period of weekcycles. The chassis is upside down and well above the slime level. The chassis may not be liquidproof and the PortaWall could be damaged if it were turned right side up.
ArrMatee pauses at Spyd's words. "Hang on, I'll take another look..."
This gives him time to digest the new information provided by the GM, so it doesn't look like he's agreeing for the sole sake of getting out of the Vat Room.
"Good point, Team Leader! Actually, I'd say it landed non-liquidproof side... erm..."
ArrMatee simply points upwards rather than say a direction that might be acted upon by the Porta-Wall.
"Whereas the most durable, and liquidproof portion landed..."
ArrMatee points down.
"So, you're correct - if we try to change its orientation, the Vat Liquids would probably just seep into it and damage it. The block-thingy would probably be okay for a couple of daycycles... maybe even weekcycles... provided that the level of Vat Liquids doesn't... erm..."
ArrMatee points upwards again.
"I can look for a door, or I can rejoin you so that we can continue our Mission Objective."
If the Team Leader tells ArrMatee to look around for a door, he does so. If he gets the clearance to rejoin the team, he'll go to the ladder and start climbing.
"I think we best proceed with our mission, then, Friend ArrMatee," Spyd-R calls out. "Recovering the blocky-thingy will probably be easier if the sector has power."
You nod at the wisdom of your Team Leader - then realize he can't see you agree. You call out an affirmative response, then retreat to the ladder. You still have the creepy feeling you're being watched, but you don't see any eyeballs staring at you out of the muck.
You ascend the ladder. Do you keep the rubber suit on, or put it back where you found it?
ArrMatee still has his lingering fear of the Vat Room, and a deep desire to get out of it as fast as possible. Plus, the rubber suit provided useful traction on the slippery surfaces. He'll keep wearing it until he gets to the exit, and then remove it.
ArrMatee cautiously makes his way across the catwalk, passing next to one of the vats.
{Schlopp-Gopp-Blorp!} the vat burbles, startling you. Your exit gets considerably faster and less cautious at that point. You burst through the opposite door, greatly relieved to be out of the vat room.
Then you notice that Blo-R and Numb-R have their laser rifles pointed at you and they look nervous.
"Just a precaution," Spyd-R assures you, noting your alarmed glances at the laser rifles.
"Huff... huff.... huff... understood..." responds ArrMatee, breathing heavily. "I'm feeling a lot better now that I'm out of there, anyway. Okay if I leave the protective rubber suit behind? Or do you foresee a need for me to keep it, Team Leader?"
"Oh, you can probably take it off and leave it. Carefully. I wouldn't make any sudden moves until Blo and Numb are satisfied you're really you. Personally, I think you're okay."
"How do we know the invisible Vat Monsters haven't followed him out?" Blo-R asks suspiciously.
"I don't think so," Spyd-R replies. "We'd smell them."
"Ohhhh..." the two Troubleshooters respond in dawning comprehension, relaxing somewhat.
"Good point, Team Leader," responds ArrMatee. "I'll be taking off this protective rubber suit now. Slowly, as per your recommendations."
ArrMatee makes sure to make no sudden moves as he does so.
"Great," grumbles Elec-O in exasperation. "Now can we please continue so I can complete MY assignment?"
"Certainly," smiles Spyd-R. "Where do we go from here?"
"Ze circuit ve vant should be just down zis hall," replies the toolbot.
"Fine!" Spyd-R beams. "Lead on, toolbot! We'll be right behind you!"
Spyd-R whispers to ArrMatee in an aside, "Good thing we still have a bot for drawing any hostile fire..."
ArrMatee merely raises a finger to his lips to Spyd in a cautionary "hush-hush" gesture, and proceeds with the rest of the team.
The toolbot stops in front of a door.
"Zis is de place," it informs you.
You all stare at the identifying placard on the wall next to the door.
QuoteDTH Sector Confession, Interrogation and Termination Center
Traitors Welcome!
"Well, if I understand proper Troubleshooting procedure," reasons ArrMatee, "I already took point on investigating the Vat Room, Citizen Blo took the courageous first step of entering the corridor leading to the cafeteria, and the Team Leader's job is always to maintain the commanding view so as to supervise, so that would leave Citizen Numb as the next logical candidate to knock on the door and scout ahead!"
"M-me?" Numb squeals.
"It's only fair," Spyd-R replies. "Go on, you can do it! It'll be fun!"
Numb-R nervously shuffles over to the door. It opens automatically from within.
Beyond, you see a dark room illuminated only by the lights carried by the team. Tall booths are lined up in rows. On either side of the door, a secbot looms menacingly. From somewhere in the darkness you hear a soft male voice.
"Enter of your own free will."
"See? Nothing to worry about," urges ArrMatee gently. "Just go on in and explain our need for access to a panel to restore power to this Sector."
On the sly, ArrMatee wants to cautiously open his Empathy ability to sense motivations from within.
ArrMatee senses one human being inside. This person is calm, serene, and feels great pity directed at your team. There is no hint of hostility.
Numb-R gingerly shuffles into the room. Immediately one of the secbots reaches out, grabs him, and lifts him off the floor by the front of his jumper.
"Don't be scared!" calls out ArrMatee helpfully. "We're all behind you for moral support, Citizen Numb! Just take a deep breath, focus, and say what you need to say! It'll all be okay!"
The secbot forcibly strips Numb-R of all visible weaponry, dropping it into a pile on the floor. Then it drops Numb-R.
"Weaponry not permitted in the CITC, Citizen," it admonishes him.
"Rules are rules," the soft voice answers. "Now what brings you here, Friend?"
"W-we, uh, came to --"
"Of course you did. Guilt is a heavy burden, is it not? But confession is good for the soul, Citizen. Enter and be cleansed and all will be well."
"I-I didn't --"
"Tut, tut. We're all sinners here. Don't cling to your secret guilt. There is freedom in truth. Just tell the truth, Friend."
"We, uh-- the power is--"
"Yes, Friend! I'm glad you see it that way! There is power in truth!"
Numb-R turns and gives the team a pleading, helpless look.
ArrMatee flashes Numb a grin and a thumbs-up. "I think he's warming up to you, Numb. Just keep talking - you're doing great!"
"I can't take the pressure!" Numb-R shrieks. He collapses on the floor in a sobbing heap -- a disgusting display of emotional excess.
A figure moves forward from darkness into shadow. He's dressed in some sort of robe and tall hat, but you can't make out more than that in the poor lighting.
"There, there," he says soothingly to Numb-R. "I understand. It's difficult to bear, isn't it? You've come to the right place. I can help relieve you of your worries." He helps Numb-R to his feet, then glances toward the team.
"I'll be right back to help the next person in line, excuse me." He then begins to lead Numb-R back into the darkness.
ArrMatee applauds enthusiastically. "That was amazing! I feel inspired just watching you work, Friend Citizen! Beta Complex is surely better off for your hard and tireless efforts."
He looks briefly to the rest of his team. "Well, we've already learned that we can't carry weapons into that room. That's useful intel, already. My commendation to Citizen Numb for discovering that for us. Of course, he also seems to be treasonously unhappy, which is unfortunate. Good thing he's in the right place for treatment!"
Of course, ArrMatee is enough of a realist to recognize that he'll have to enter that room, so he's already seeing if he can hand off his obvious weapons (grenades and laser cartridges) to the Toolbot for carrying, or to be carefully deposited on the floor if not.
"Excuse me, valued Toolbot," he will inquire. "Does your carrying capacity allow you to temporarily take custody of these items?"
Elec-O interrupts. "No way. I need the toolbot to stay with me and help me."
Spyd-R smiles. "That's fine, Friend. No need to worry. We'll get along. Let's just see what happens."
A few minutes pass. Then the robed figure appears at the edge of the shadows.
"May I help the next troubled soul?" he says.
Spyd-R turns to ArrMatee-R. "Friend ArrMatee, you've shown a tremendous degree of ability in handling difficult negotiations. I'm confident that you can explain our mission to our new friend, here. In fact, I'm seriously considering putting you in for a commendation. You can just leave your weapons here and Blo-R and I will keep an eye on them."
"Sure thing, Team Leader! Naturally, my debriefing report will also include a full accounting of your brilliant leadership qualities." answers ArrMatee, with the cheerfulness belonging only to those who already know that they're totally screwed and there's no use fighting it.
Of course, when it comes to disarming himself, this raises the question of what the Secbots didn't strip off of Numb. Anything that resembles stuff that was pulled from Numb obviously gets handed off to Spyd and Blo. (Which, sadly, probably includes the Demoralizer Ray. But best to check.)
He approaches, but does not yet cross, the threshold to the CITC. "I will be entering shortly, Friend Citizen, but wish to optimize efficiency by minimizing the amount of time I spend unpacking and repacking valuable Team Equipment," he explains.
He addressed the visible secbots within. "Most powerful and valued Secbots, do your sensors detect any equipment of mine that you recommend removing before I enter? I would not wish to subject your motor processors to unnecessary disarmament procedures."
The robed figure answers. "Commendable. Bearing in mind my own desire for efficiency, please be quick about it."
The secbot on the left replies only with, "Remove all weapons upon entry. No exceptions."
The secbots stripped Numb-R of anything visible that even looked like a weapon. So of course all of his grenades plus his laser rifle. He didn't really have anything else. They did not try to empty his pouch, his pack, or his pockets.
And yes, the Demoralizer Ray falls into the 'resembles a weapon' category.
You tell me what you leave with Spyd-R. If you need a refresher as to what you're carrying, I'll try to dig that up. (Don't have it at my fingertips right at the moment)
ArrMatee hands off the Demoralizer Ray to Spyd, along with the aforementioned grenades and laser cartridges. If the Electroshock Gauntlets are too bulky to keep in something like a pocket or pack, then he'll hand those off to Spyd as well. That should account for anything that ArrMatee has that is actually meant to be used as a weapon.
He'd like to keep things like the heavy aluminum rolling pin, the crowbar, and his rolls of duct tape - those are tools, after all.
Once his items are thus redestributed and/or repositioned, he will cross the threshold with his arms outstretched in a non-threatening manner. If a SecBot picks him up and removes a piece of equipment, ArrMatee will chime in with, "Gosh, you can use that as a weapon? I never realized!"
How are you carrying the rolling pin and the crowbar if your arms are outstretched? Are they in your hands?
Duct tape will secure them to my back. It's marvelous stuff. I'll make sure to ask my teammates for assistance in using some strips of duct tape to keep it secured to my backside.
"Duct tape! Neat!" Blo-R cries happily. He is eager to help you duct tape the rolling pin and crowbar to your body.
Thus prepared, you walk into the room.
"What are those?" the secbot on the right asks, pointing to the stuff on your back.
"Tools, most powerful and valued Secbot," responds ArrMatee. "And comforting philosophical reminders of how life in Beta Complex gets better every day-cycle!"
"The humble rolling pin - a reminder of my own humble beginnings as an Infrared clone in Cafeteria services. Now, I am a Red-clearance Troubleshooter, yet I do not forget that from whence I came! And, of course, the crowbar - that marvelous tool by which crates at PLC are opened so that life-enhancing goods may be distributed for the betterment of Troubleshooting teams all through Beta Complex. These humble tools serve as my moral fortitude, that I may better serve the Computer with a smile each day-cycle!"
The secbot's photoreceptors blink off and on a couple of times.
"Pass."
You draw closer to the robed male. He squints at the light of your flashlight.
"I'll understand your desire for light, but please point it away from my face. My eyes are rather sensitive."
You note that his robes are an Indigo color, but he wears the yellow stripe of a mutant.
"I understand completely, Friend Citizen. My eyes also have a sensitivity to bright light, so I know that of which you speak."
ArrMatee will make sure to divert the flashlight beam respectfully to the side.
"Now then," the robed Indigo Citizen says to ArrMatee, "tell me what burdens your conscience, Friend."
ArrMatee has learned one key truth in dealing with the assorted Citizens of Beta Complex. You just can't make progress with them unless you tell them something that they want to hear. And if Numb's performance was any example, the Indigo-clearance Citizen won't listen to anything that's not phrased as part of a confession.
ArrMatee sighs wistfully. "Friend Citizen," he explains, "I worry that sometimes I put my own fears and concerns ahead of the good of my Team's Mission."
If he manages to get that far without the Indigo Citizen interrupting him, he'll continue:
"In fact, I fear that I'm doing that right now by indulging my need to confess instead of explaining my Team's Very Important Mission to you. And I am ashamed of my selfishness."
"Friend," the Indigo replies, "in my observation a guilty conscience prevents a clone from achieving their full potential. So it is right and proper that you unburden yourself in order to improve your performance. What fears and concerns do you have that are hindering you, my Friend?"
"Perhaps you hesitate because we are not in a standard confessional booth... I understand. But for some reason all of the booths are inoperable."
You start to say something, but he breaks in.
"I know, it's unfortunate. Really. How then can we keep a proper record of your absolution? Fortunately these Secbots are still functional and their sensor logs will suffice. Accountability is important, you know. So what were you saying about your fears and concerns?"
"I fear that my time spent confessing to you is keeping me from rendering the confessional booths operational again," ArrMatee explains.
"And why would this cause you to fear?" he asks. Then before you can answer, he continues.
"Fear is a natural but irrational response to the unknown. It cripples your morale and decision making abilities. But you can trust The Computer, Friend! And The Computer knows all! So you may set that fear aside."
Spyd-R applauds from the corridor. "Brilliant! I couldn't have said it any better myself!"
"Is there anything else on your conscience you'd like to confess?" the Indigo asks.
"I bet he's pretty upset about that whole Porta-Wall wreck!" Blo-R interjects.
"Really? Why don't you tell me about that?"
"Upset, Citizen Blo? Certainly not! That would mean that I was unhappy, which is treasonous. I am shocked to hear you accuse me of such a vicious falsehood. But fret not, you shall have your opportunity to unburden yourself in due course."
He returns his gaze to the Indigo-clearance Citizen.
"I am, however, concerned about a recent series of events. I wish to hear your wise counsel as to how I should have acted."
"I would be happy to listen, and perhaps to advise."
ArrMatee notices that Spyd-R has an uncharacteristically worried look on his face. He usually only looks that uptight when something bad is about to happen.
"Oh, dear. Are you feeling quite well, Citizen Spyd? I would hate to think that you are not in good health. Such is my concern that I have lost my current train of thought."
He looks to the director of the CITC. "I feel that this serves as an example of how confession opportunities suffer when proper confession booths are not online. If you were to grant my team access to a panel in this facility, we could rectify this problem, to the benefit of confessing Citizens throughout this Sector."
"Um," Spyd-R says nervously, "I don't think we're going to have that kind of time. I, uh, hear some commotion headed this way. And I don't think they're coming for confession."
"I don't hear anything," Blo-R frowns.
"Trust me on this," Spyd-R assures him fervently. "We need to find cover. Now. Could we, ah, relax the restriction on bringing weapons into the confessional just this once?"
The Indigo sighs. "Probably traitors. They usually try to blow up the CITC at least once a week. Last week it was a pack of Death Leopards. Rules are rules, though. And I'm afraid the Secbots' programming is rather strict on that point."
ArrMatee sighs happily. "I give thanks to the Computer that I have no idea what Death Leopard means, and hence cannot be made unhappy by its presumedly treasonous nature!"
He turns slightly more serious. "Citizen Elec-O, I do not believe that either you or the toolbot are carrying weapons. Am I correct?"
Regardless of the answer, he will then ask the Indigo citizen, "Friend Citizen, is it possible that any of these bots or Citizens may enter if they do not bring weapons with them?"
"Certainly they may!" the Indigo Citizen responds. Elec-O and the toolbot enter. They are not challenged.
"But what about us? And what happens if they attack and we're unarmed?" Spyd-R says.
"Safer in there than out here!" Blo-R says emphatically. He starts handing off his weapons to the secbots through the door.
Spyd-R appears to be undecided as to what to do.
"Team Leader, might I note that if any traitors are armed well enough to get past two Secbots, having a few laser rifles is the least of our concerns?" asks ArrMatee.
"I mean, just look at the power of those two Secbots, bristling with weaponry! Er... those Secbots are armed with weapons, yes?"
"Of course they are," the Indigo assures you.
Spyd-R makes his decision and begins removing his weaponry.
Blo-R finishes divesting himself of all weaponry and darts into the center. He dashes off into the darkened area and disappears from sight.
Now you can hear some shouting echoing through the corridors.
ArrMatee briefly ponders the wisdom of pointing out to the Secbots that they have weapons in the CITC when, in fact, no weapons are permitted in the CITC, but decides that he isn't quite that gutsy right now.
"Since efficiency is a virtue that we both share," he comments to the Indigo citizen, "might we be allowed to get your Confessional booths working again, while we wait here? We'd just need access to a power panel located here."
"Certainly," the Indigo replies. "Feel free. Let me know if any of you need to unburden your souls before you die a horrible death at the hands of traitors."
Spyd-R has finished handing off his weapons and scoots through the door.
"Excellent idea, ArrMatee-R!" Spyd-R says. "Why don't you escort Elec-O? I'll observe the activity and prepare a report. I'll be... over there somewhere."
Spyd-R rushes off into the darkened recesses of the center.
"Well, Citizen Elec-O and valued Toolbot, let's get to work! Where's the panel that you need access to? We'll head there immediately."
"Got it!" Elec-O replies. "Toolbot? Where's the panel?"
"Ah, ze verk order does not show ze prezise location... ve could not access ze database because of ze power outage. It says only zat it is inside vun of ze booths in ze far left quadrant of ze center. Zat is ze best estimate of vere it should be, anyhow."
Hard to tell due to the darkness, but you figure there are dozens and dozens of booths crammed into this room. Each of the black booths is about 2.5 meters tall, 1.5 meters wide, and 1.5 meters deep. There are ten rows of booths, with a 2.5 meter wide isle between each row. Each row is twenty or more booths deep, each booth being spaced about 1.5 meters apart (you can't see the far side of the room from where you are)...
"Team Leader? Citizen Blo? Sounds like we better put our flashlights to good use! The faster we find that panel, the faster we restore power, which means the faster we put another bit of security between us and the onrushing horde of traitors!"
ArrMatee pauses a moment to think.
"Umm... Friend Citizen? What happened to Citizen Numb?" he inquires. "He also had a flashlight. If he's recovered enough to return to active panel-searching duty, that would be great. If not, we can at least make use of his flashlight to help speed up the search."
Another flash of inspiration hits ArrMatee, as he shifts into respectful Bootlicking mode towards the high-ranking Indigo citizen. "And... Friend Citizen, I would imagine that you have a better knowledge of these Confession booths than all of us put together, seeing as how they are entrusted to your enlightened care. I sincerely believe that if you could provide any information that would help direct us to the panel that we seek, it would dramatically comfort this Team as it continues to serve the Computer."
Spyd-R and Blo-R do not reply.
The Indigo responds to your questions.
"Citizen Numb? Oh, you mean the poor soul who preceded you! He is at rest now. As to the panel you seek, I'm afraid that I am not well versed in the technical side of things. I will help you look, however."
In the distance you hear shouting. It's still rather indistinct at the moment, but you think you hear "Death to the Computer and its' minions!"
ArrMatee wonders if, in fact, Citizens Blo and Spyd are actually looking for the panel, or are just concentrating on hiding and hoping that they get passed by when the heavily armed traitors arrive. ArrMatee will reach out with Empathy sense towards the darkness to see if he can get a sense on what his teammates are feeling, or possibly to get a sense of the general directions in which they're hiding.
ArrMatee reaches out with his "sixth" sense.
Aside from yourself, there are six sources of emotion within range.
The closest, which you assume is the Indigo Citizen, is calm, unperturbed, and unafraid. You can't divine the reasons for this confidence, be it insanity, delusion, courage, or otherwise.
The next closest, which you think must be Elec-O, is anxious and increasingly fearful.
The farthest source is angry, eager, and bent on destruction.
The other three you assume must be Blo, Numb, and Spyd. You have no way of knowing who is who, except by educated guessing.
One is sleeping peacefully.
Another is furtive, anxious, and determined about something. It feels fairly close in relation to the other two.
The last is furtive, expectant, excited, and determined about something.
You could home in on them using Empathy, but you've only got time to track down one of them.
As you contemplate this, you notice that a cloud of mist or smoke is billowing out of the darkness. The smell is pleasant but unidentifiable and it is clouding your flashlight beam.
ArrMatee will home in on the emotion that is furtive, expectant, excited, and determined about something. That's the one emotion that clearly feels out-of-place.
Of course, this might ordinarily be viewed as contrary to being a survivalist. But it's better to only have to worry about traitors from one direction at a time. And ArrMatee takes great comfort from the presence of the heavy aluminum rolling pin, which he will free from the duct tape holding it to his back.
Flashlight on, or are you trying to sneak up?
ArrMatee will turn off the flashlight and try to sneak up.
ArrMatee grunts as he works to extract the rolling pin from his person.
"Ah," the Indigo smiles. "A clever workaround to overcome an adverse situation."
You flick off the flashlight. Darkness.
"AAHH!" cries Elec-O in panic. "What happened to the light?!?" You hear scrabbling, then a flare of light as a hottorch is turned on. You attempt to move away, but the Indigo, Elec-O, and the Toolbot follow you.
You sense that furtive/anxious/determined is now elated/satisfied.
So much for sneaking up. Feh. And here I thought that Elec-O, the Indigo Citizen, and the toolbot were off exploring separately to find the bloody panel. Double feh.
"Just conserving power while freeing a tool," ArrMatee explains hastily. He turns his flashlight back on and charges off towards the direction of the elation and satisfaction.
Elation/Satisfaction is the other way, over by the Secbots. You were trying to sneak up on Furtive/Expectant/Excited/Determined, not Furtive/Anxious/Determined.
"Where are you going?" Elec-O asks.
"He was trying to be stealthy, I think," the Indigo answers.
The shouting is louder now, and angry/eager/bent is almost here.
I give up. I can't parse what's going on anymore.
Quote from: Viking on September 26, 2008, 01:37:33 PM
I give up. I can't parse what's going on anymore.
Sorry... do you need better descriptions? Or am I hosing you too badly? I know this is Paranoia, but I don't want to over-frustrate you. Feel free to ask for clarifications along the way; I won't penalize you for that.
You didn't tell the others to stay put, so they're just naturally tagging along. The Indigo out of curiosity, Elec-O because he's scared, and the toolbot because it's sticking close to Elec-O.
If it helps, you know that Spyd and Blo are the two sources of emotion. One of them is roughly in the direction Spyd went and that's deeper into the room. Let's call that North. Coincidentally, that seems to be where the scented mist is coming from, and the mist is thickening. You don't know how the mist is being generated.
The other source of emotion, which may be Blo, is over near where the Secbots are guarding the door. That's South of where you are at. That's not the direction Blo left toward, but he could have circled back for some reason. However, the Secbots are barely visible due to darkness and mist and you can't see anyone in that direction. You are definitely getting a vibe of satisfaction from whoever is over there, but can't tell why.
(OOG: In the absence of an actual player in the role of team leader, I've been looking to you for a certain amount of direction. That's not how it was supposed to turn out, but, well, you know... Everyone else bailed after the first team wipe. And I'm really regretting the whole Energy Suppression Grenade thing. It made a good story but it also complicated everything. {sigh} You should tell the others what to do at times, or make suggestions. Otherwise, I'm trying to take into account the characters and what they might do in the absence of leadership.
If you'd rather not grind through this, we can just end it. I'll write up a closer. But this really is the last room. You just have to hold off the traitors long enough to get the power back on. Sort of like Agatha trying to fix Castle Heterodyne.)
(*Deep breath...*)
Okay, I'll try this again.
(*Another deep breath...*)
Giving directions to Elec-O and the Indigo, ArrMatee explains quickly and quietly:
"We'll have a better chance of finding the panel in question if we split up. Elec-O and/or valued Toolbot, if you could quickly describe what the panel looks like that we're searching for, great. The two of you should stick together, using the hottorch as your light source. Obviously, if you find the panel, get started on fixing it."
To the Indigo, presuming that the panel can be described in such a fashion that splitting up to look for it actually makes sense:
"Friend Citizen, it would help us greatly if you could help in the search for the power panel. If you need a flashlight, the Troubleshooter that confessed first had one. I'm sure he'd want you to make good use of it while he rests. The panel that we're looking for should be somewhere in... (*gestures appropriately*) that direction. Elec-O and the toolbot can begin searching the leftmost row of booths in that sector, and I'd advise you to start with the rightmost row. I need to coordinate with my other Troubleshooters before starting up the middle."
"Finally - a tactic to confuse traitors. If you find the power panel and want the rest of us to meet up with you at that spot, call out, 'It's not here! I'll try the next row!' and then shut off your light and wait for help to arrive. With any luck, that'll make the traitors think you're moving somewhere else, while signaling to the rest of us where to go."
Now, all that was meant to be relatively quiet, and not necessarily heard by Blo or Spyd. He'll then call out, "Spyd, Blo - status reports?"
Whether he attempts to meet up with either of them or confirm his code phrase with them depends on what he hears from them.
(*Side Note: He suspects that Spyd is further in, and has activated the mist courtesy of the Portable Morale Booster. He is also guessing that Blo has stealthily circled back to where the Sec-bots are, in a presumably successful attempt to secretly retrieve weaponry. But since this is Paranoia, ArrMatee can't rule out the possibility that one or both of them will try to help the traitors or otherwise sabotage the mission. So he'll keep his Empathy open to gauge reactions from those two troubleshooters.*)
Quote from: Viking on September 28, 2008, 03:07:48 PM
Giving directions to Elec-O and the Indigo, ArrMatee explains quickly and quietly:
"We'll have a better chance of finding the panel in question if we split up. Elec-O and/or valued Toolbot, if you could quickly describe what the panel looks like that we're searching for, great. The two of you should stick together, using the hottorch as your light source. Obviously, if you find the panel, get started on fixing it."
"Ze panel iz inside vun of de booths, under de seat," replies the Toolbot. "It iz a small metal box with a big svitch inside."
Quote from: Viking on September 28, 2008, 03:07:48 PM
To the Indigo, presuming that the panel can be described in such a fashion that splitting up to look for it actually makes sense:
"Friend Citizen, it would help us greatly if you could help in the search for the power panel. If you need a flashlight, the Troubleshooter that confessed first had one. I'm sure he'd want you to make good use of it while he rests. The panel that we're looking for should be somewhere in... (*gestures appropriately*) that direction. Elec-O and the toolbot can begin searching the leftmost row of booths in that sector, and I'd advise you to start with the rightmost row. I need to coordinate with my other Troubleshooters before starting up the middle."
"Finally - a tactic to confuse traitors. If you find the power panel and want the rest of us to meet up with you at that spot, call out, 'It's not here! I'll try the next row!' and then shut off your light and wait for help to arrive. With any luck, that'll make the traitors think you're moving somewhere else, while signaling to the rest of us where to go."
Elec-O, the Toolbot, and the Indigo wander off on their assignments.
Suddenly you hear a loud shout of "Death to the Computer!" coming from the doorway. A rag-tag bunch dressed in black and carrying an assortment of knives, tools, pipes, and other improvised weapons bursts into the CITC. Some of them are carrying hottorches for light.
"Weapons are not permitted..." one of the SecBots begins, but the fanatical band of sabateurs swarm into the room anyway and attempt to overpower the SecBots.
Zap! Zapzapzap! The SecBots make use of their weapons. The SecBots are holding their own at the moment, but there are a lot of traitors.
Now that ArrMatee no longer needs to worry about teammates panicking if he turns off the flashlight, he makes sure that his flashlight is turned off for the next part.
He aborts the plan to call out - that would certainly draw attention that he doesn't want. He will, however, try to make some further use of his Empathy before the traitors utterly overwhelm the SecBots.
From the previous descriptions, I understood there to have been someone who had snuck back around to the general vicinity of the SecBots before the traitors burst in, plus someone else who had snuck deeper into the darkness, from which the mist seems to have come. For reasons previously explained, and for ease of parsing, I am dubbing these two sources as "Suspected Blo" and "Suspected Spyd," respectively.
Operating on the suspicion that Blo has successfully retrieved some form of weaponry from the SecBot area, ArrMatee will try to use Empathy to help guide him as he tries to stealthily reach "Suspected Blo."
"Suspected Blo" has moved away from the SecBots a short distance, according to your Empathy, and is not using a personal light source. The only illumination is from weapons fire filtered through the thickening fog. You are easily able to home in on this person, though you still have to feel your way around to avoid bumping into booths.
Suddenly, you sense gleefully malicious intent from "Suspected Blo" directed at the SecBots.
My split-second action depends on what I estimate the path to be between ArrMatee and "Suspected Blo."
If ArrMatee estimates that he should have a clear path to rush at "Suspected Blo" from behind, he will do so and try to bash in his head with the aluminum rolling pin. A simple, straightforward, brutal rush from behind
If, however, he estimates that it would take several seconds of darting around booths and zig-zagging, he will instead detach one of the canisters of Nano-Tech and throw it like a grenade at "Suspected Blo's" position. (Hoping that the sound of a grenade-like object thunking in his proximity will distract him from doing something to the SecBots.)
It's entirely too dark and foggy in here to determine line-of-sight.
Thus, you suspect your fake grenade ploy to be the best course of action. Even if it bounces off a booth it should make enough noise to serve as a distraction.
So, you reach into your handy pouch and lob a canister of NanoTool into the swirling darkness.
You hear a *Thunk! roll-roll-roll* sound and a satisfying gasp of startlement coming from "Suspected Blo". From the sound you guess that he's hiding between booths in the front row of booths. Then there is another *Thunk* and then a *Thud*. You sense that "Suspected Blo" is now dazed, confused, frightened, and in pain.
Having bought himself a few precious seconds, ArrMatee will proceed towards "Suspected Blo," in the hopes of putting him out of his misery. Since it's dark and foggy, ArrMatee will be moving consistent with his previous movements - whatever it takes to avoid bumbling into confession booths.
You catch up with "Suspected Blo" as he tries to scuttle away from the "grenade"; a good solid whack with the rolling pin and he is out.
How far out do you want him? Temporarily out, or...?
ArrMatee plans to put him down as permanently as possible. Pirates know no mercy in battle - ARR!!!
(He doesn't actually articulate any of that in a battlecry, as it would likely be counter to surviving against the traitors.)
Then he'll spare a few seconds to see if "Suspected Blo" was actually carrying anything of interest close at hand.
Forgive me for being morbid, but... how do you intend to do the deed? This being Paranoia, that's a very important question. It has a pretty direct bearing on whether or not you survive debriefing.
You could continue to employ the rolling pin, but making sure of it could get messy...
Well, since you've pressed for details...
The rolling pin had previously been duct taped to ArrMatee's back. From our mutual description of how ArrMatee pulled it from his backside, I would imagine that there should still be a strip or two of duct tape dangling from the rolling pin. Pull off a strip from the rolling pin - it should still have ample stickiness to put it over "Suspected Blo's" mouth, to cut down on the groaning and such.
Then ArrMatee can drag the limp, but presumably still living, body back to its hiding spot.
We'll start with that. Let me know if ArrMatee discovers any interesting details in the course of doing this. (Like whether "Suspected Blo" is "Actual Blo," for example, or whether he had any weapon-like equipment to hand.)
Oh, you've got plenty of duct tape left...
Still dark, and since you've never groped Blo in the dark before you can't be sure it's him. It's kind of difficult to tell some clones apart even in normal lighting, as most Citizens tend to resemble each other to one degree or another.
On the other hand, light to see by could be dangerous.
Still, "Suspected Blo" was apparently able to snatch a rifle, a pistol, and five grenades. That's about as far as you're going to be able to identify them in the dark.
Speaking of grenades...
From over near the SecBots you hear a traitor exclaim over the commotion of battle, "Hey! I found grenades and stuff!" This exclamation is promptly cut off by weapons fire from one of the SecBots. The secret is out, however.
(OOG: I realize that, as GM, you're making sure to sow as much doubt and confusion in this scenario - just as I'm trying to seize on anything I can use for clarity.)
ArrMatee's next action will depend on his knowledge of the following:
1) Of the rifle, pistol, and grenades, were any of those materials apparently closest to hand, as it were? Was he dazedly clutching a rifle up until ArrMatee conked him, for example? Or did a grenade go rolling from his grasp after he fell, or any hint whatsoever?
2) When ArrMatee sensed that feeling of "gleefully malicious intent from 'Suspected Blo' directed at the SecBots," was that truly meant to convey that ArrMatee felt that the gleefully malicious intent was specifically directed at the SecBots, as opposed to their general direction? That was how I interpreted that post, and I'm just trying to make sure that I didn't mis-parse like before.
3) Is it possible to tell grenades apart if there is a light source? (Since the team requisitioned Stun, Tear Gas, and Tangler Grenades, after all.)
4) Based on ArrMatee's knowledge of Engineering-related stuff, how likely would any of the aforementioned grenades be to actually have any effect on a SecBot? I'd normally expect that SecBots would ignore tear gas, and possibly be hindered by a Tangler Grenade, but I don't know how a Stun Grenade would work, and I don't know if ArrMatee would know, either.)
5) How good of a throwing arc does ArrMatee have towards the traitors fighting the SecBots, from "Suspected Blo's" hiding position?
Quote from: Viking on October 01, 2008, 09:23:54 PM
(OOG: I realize that, as GM, you're making sure to sow as much doubt and confusion in this scenario - just as I'm trying to seize on anything I can use for clarity.)
ArrMatee's next action will depend on his knowledge of the following:
1) Of the rifle, pistol, and grenades, were any of those materials apparently closest to hand, as it were? Was he dazedly clutching a rifle up until ArrMatee conked him, for example? Or did a grenade go rolling from his grasp after he fell, or any hint whatsoever?
He was holding a rifle.
2) When ArrMatee sensed that feeling of "gleefully malicious intent from 'Suspected Blo' directed at the SecBots," was that truly meant to convey that ArrMatee felt that the gleefully malicious intent was specifically directed at the SecBots, as opposed to their general direction? That was how I interpreted that post, and I'm just trying to make sure that I didn't mis-parse like before.
The malicious intent was definitely directed at the SecBots.
3) Is it possible to tell grenades apart if there is a light source? (Since the team requisitioned Stun, Tear Gas, and Tangler Grenades, after all.)
Yes. But as you'll recall you had to look closely even with the lights on. They aren't labeled, but there are differences in markings and such. You are also aware that occasionally mistakes are made and individual grenades might not have the expected payload. That's rare, though.
4) Based on ArrMatee's knowledge of Engineering-related stuff, how likely would any of the aforementioned grenades be to actually have any effect on a SecBot? I'd normally expect that SecBots would ignore tear gas, and possibly be hindered by a Tangler Grenade, but I don't know how a Stun Grenade would work, and I don't know if ArrMatee would know, either.)
Tear gas - no
Tangler - yes
Stun - yes, it's an electric-based attack; but shielded bots would be resistant
5) How good of a throwing arc does ArrMatee have towards the traitors fighting the SecBots, from "Suspected Blo's" hiding position?
Excellent. With a capital 'E'.
Okay.
Step One: Was I also able to find "Suspected Blo's" flashlight? Regardless, make sure that I've got his cache of weaponry more or less bundled up - stuffed in pockets or duct-taped to my jumpsuit if need be, using spare strips of duct tape. The laser rifle and rolling pin are placed to the side, ready for ArrMatee to grab them and slip away once he completes his plan.
Step Two: Take another canister of Nano-Tool, but empty it around "Suspected Blo's" feet and the walking space just outside his hiding space. The goal is to make it a slippery surface, which would hopefully trip up "Suspected Blo" if he comes to, or a traitor if he comes running by. But not to trip up ArrMatee as he makes his getaway after Step Five, later.
Step Three: Remove the strip of duct tape from "Suspected Blo's" mouth and stick it onto ArrMatee's jumpsuit. One less piece of evidence tying ArrMatee to this scene.
Step Four: Take a grenade and throw it at the traitors fighting the SecBots. Hopefully not catching the SecBots in the expected detonation radius. Clearly, he is not going to take time to figure out which grenade type he is throwing.
Step Five: If he found "Suspected Blo's" flashlight, turn it on and drop it next to "Suspected Blo." A helpful little signal flare for traitors to find the Troubleshooter, as it were.
Step Six: Grab the rolling pin in one hand, and the rifle in the other, and slip away. (Not literally slipping, mind you.)
Just in case the ultimate goal of this plan is not blindingly obvious - ArrMatee is hoping that this will help thin out and delay the traitors, while also leaving a helpful path for them to find "Suspected Blo," and take out their frustrations on him.
Quote from: Viking on October 02, 2008, 02:51:34 PM
Okay.
Step One: Was I also able to find "Suspected Blo's" flashlight? Regardless, make sure that I've got his cache of weaponry more or less bundled up - stuffed in pockets or duct-taped to my jumpsuit if need be, using spare strips of duct tape. The laser rifle and rolling pin are placed to the side, ready for ArrMatee to grab them and slip away once he completes his plan.
Check. You have his flashlight.
Step Two: Take another canister of Nano-Tool, but empty it around "Suspected Blo's" feet and the walking space just outside his hiding space. The goal is to make it a slippery surface, which would hopefully trip up "Suspected Blo" if he comes to, or a traitor if he comes running by. But not to trip up ArrMatee as he makes his getaway after Step Five, later.
Check.
Step Three: Remove the strip of duct tape from "Suspected Blo's" mouth and stick it onto ArrMatee's jumpsuit. One less piece of evidence tying ArrMatee to this scene.
Check.
Step Four: Take a grenade and throw it at the traitors fighting the SecBots. Hopefully not catching the SecBots in the expected detonation radius. Clearly, he is not going to take time to figure out which grenade type he is throwing.
You activate the grenade and then pitch it as close to the traitors as you can. 3...
Step Five: If he found "Suspected Blo's" flashlight, turn it on and drop it next to "Suspected Blo." A helpful little signal flare for traitors to find the Troubleshooter, as it were.
You drop the flashlight. 2...
Step Six: Grab the rolling pin in one hand, and the rifle in the other, and slip away. (Not literally slipping, mind you.)
You turn to slip away into the darkness. 1...
There is a popping noise accompanied by a flare of light... which is followed by a lot more popping noises and lots of lights flashing. Shouts. Coughing. Cries for help. Cries of rage.
ArrMatee adheres to the rule of survival where one doesn't looks behind when slipping away. But he'll dare to hope that things worked out pretty well.
At any rate, he'll concentrate on searching for "Suspected Spyd" next. Does an Empathy scan provide any interesting information?
You sense that a number of the traitors have been rendered unconscious, a few are dazed, and there's a mix of fear, anger, and frustration on the part of those who are still emoting clearly.
Elec-O is nervous and fearful. The Indigo is calm and intent.
"Suspected Spyd" is excited and cheerful. You home in on that source of emotion. What is your intent when you find him?
My intent with "Suspected Spyd" is non-hostile. ArrMatee is hoping that he can score some points with the one remaining conscious member of the Troubleshooting team, to help shore up his position when it comes to debriefing.
Now, ArrMatee also doesn't want to raise suspicions of having a Mutant power, so he's going to start whispering, "Team Leader? Are you here?" as he gets closer to "Suspected Spyd's" position.
Out of curiosity - do I still hear any zaps of weapons fire from the SecBots? That's an important tactical detail, after all.
Quote from: Viking on October 07, 2008, 01:58:19 PM
Now, ArrMatee also doesn't want to raise suspicions of having a Mutant power, so he's going to start whispering, "Team Leader? Are you here?" as he gets closer to "Suspected Spyd's" position.
"Is that you, ArrMatee?" Spyd-R replies in a low murmur.
Quote
Out of curiosity - do I still hear any zaps of weapons fire from the SecBots? That's an important tactical detail, after all.
No. There's still a lot of commotion over that way, but no further weapons fire.
ArrMatee turns towards the direction of Spyd-R's voice. (I presume that the voices of my fellow Troubleshooters are sufficiently distinct from one another, then?)
"Yeah," he murmurs back. "And maybe it's just me, but I don't trust Blo. He snuck some weapons in, and I caught him aiming his laser rifle at one of the SecBots. I threw a can of Nano-Tool to distract him, and he panicked, slipped, tripped, and knocked himself out. I left him there otherwise unharmed, but I brought his weapons - figured you'd want a chance to arm yourself. I've got your back if you've got mine. We agree on this?"
ArrMatee is also relying on his Empathy to see if Spyd is reacting with any emotion that comes anywhere approaching 'trust.' Hopefully, a Troubleshooter offering him weapons in a dark room will help seal the deal.
"Certainly," Spyd-R replies. "I've been doing what I can with the PBM. Too bad about Blo-R. Well, he's in the right place, I guess."
Empathy says Spyd-R is sincere and friendly, though you can tell he doesn't entirely trust you. However, he does trust that you mean him no harm at the moment.
Spyd-R steps out of a booth with the PBM. "Too bad I had to fog up the place," he sighs, "Can't take any decent pictures in this stuff. Got any grenades?"
"Sure thing," answers ArrMatee. He'll hand over two of the grenades, for starters. "You want the laser rifle as well? Or, I managed to snag what I think is the Demoralizer Ray - hard to tell in the dark, and I didn't want to fire it randomly."
ArrMatee looks around quickly, more out of reflex than effectiveness, what with the fog and darkness.
"Elec-O and the Indigo are looking for the panel right now - I'm planning to join the search next. I'd suggest that one of us stay on dedicated watch duty, in case any of those traitors get past the Secbots."
"The Demoralizer Ray would be kind of fun," Spyd replies wistfully. "But it wasn't assigned to me. On the other hand, you could probably make better use of the laser rifle. I'll work with whichever one you give me."
Your empathy tells you Spyd suddenly feels a mild twinge of alarm.
"I have a feeling we'd better get the power back on, fast."
ArrMatee shrugs quickly, and passes over what he believes to be the Demoralizer Ray.
"I'll join the search for the panel - you keep a watch for traitors and do what you can to keep them distracted. If any of us finds the electric panel, we're signaling by shouting out, 'It's not here! I'll try the next row!' That might further confuse the traitors."
If Spyd agrees, ArrMatee will head off to help search for the panel.
Spyd-R readily agrees. "I'll keep the traitors confused and off-balance."
You begin searching booths for the panel.
Your Empathy power detects several hostiles leaving the area near the SecBots and heading into the booth area.
What's your plan? (Either for searching for the panel, or confronting the traitors.)
ArrMatee continues to help search for the panel. He's rather hoping that at least some of the traitors will be drawn to where he left Blo unconscious, and take out their frustrations on him.
Search turn #1:
You find nothing in the first booth you search. You are careful to use your light only inside of a booth, so as not to attract attention.
Judging from a quick scan of your companions' emotions, they haven't found anything either.
Now, Empathy is not radar sense. You can tell what people around you are feeling, and if you concentrate on one source of emotion you can get a vague impression of personality, distance, and direction. So if you're hoping to pinpoint where the traitors are and what they are up to, Empathy is not going to work too well. It's going to be impossible to do it when you're focusing on your search. Just so you know...
Search turn #2:
You sense PAIN! and DEATH! Possibly Blo-R's 'heroic sacrifice to the cause', but it's hard to tell. The burst of emotion momentarily overwhelms you, interrupting your search while you regain your mental composure.
Search turn #3:
You don't find the panel, but you do find something that resembles an odd-looking multicorder hidden under the seat of the booth you are searching. It bears a strong resemblance to the Mutant Detector that was lost during the team wipe, but you're not sure.
So as to better focus on his search, ArrMatee will stop use of Empathy for the present. It's already provided sufficient evidence to suggest that Blo is dead, which is fine by him.
Is the multicorder small enough to fit into a jumpsuit pocket? If so, ArrMatee will take it with him. Waste not, want not, after all.
Apart from that, ArrMatee will continue searching, relying only on his normal sensory perception to alert him to traitors getting closer.
The multicorder is not small enough to fit in a pocket. It is black, about 150 centimeters by 200 centimeters (or 6" x 8") and 50 centimeters thick (2"). It is powered off. I assume you aren't taking a lot of time to examine it.
Search turn #4:
You find nothing.
You hear a shout of "I'd vaporize you, but the smell would kill me!" The shout was audible, but not close by.
Search turn #5:
You find nothing.
You hear another shout, same voice: "You're so dense, you make blackholes look bright!" The shout is coming from another part of the room than before.
Search turn #6:
Your search is interrupted by a deafening blast of martial music that reverberates throughout the CITC. Brilliantly flashing lights can be seen through the thick mist; they'd be blindingly bright if not for the fog.
You are correct, ArrMatee would not have taken a lot of time to examine it. That would have detracted from the search for the power panel. But it still sounded comparatively small, such that he might have been able to quickly duct-tape it to his jumpsuit. (If one is going to remove an object from a Confession booth, it still occurs to ArrMatee that the best time is probably when everything is powered down.) With GM permission, ArrMatee would have done that.
Nevertheless, the current problem seems to be the deafening music that is reverberating through the CITC. ArrMatee would put down the rolling pin and laser rifle so that he can cover his ears more effectively.
Quote from: Viking on October 14, 2008, 04:41:25 PM
You are correct, ArrMatee would not have taken a lot of time to examine it. That would have detracted from the search for the power panel. But it still sounded comparatively small, such that he might have been able to quickly duct-tape it to his jumpsuit. (If one is going to remove an object from a Confession booth, it still occurs to ArrMatee that the best time is probably when everything is powered down.) With GM permission, ArrMatee would have done that.
Nevertheless, the current problem seems to be the deafening music that is reverberating through the CITC. ArrMatee would put down the rolling pin and laser rifle so that he can cover his ears more effectively.
Granted. I assumed you'd find some way of carrying the multicorder-thingy, even if it involved learning juggling on the fly. Duct tape it is.
So... how does ArrMatee deal with the deafening noise?
Does the noise seem any less crippling inside a confession booth? With his hands over his ears? Do the confession booths have doors that can be closed, fully or partially?
Quote from: Viking on October 14, 2008, 11:29:10 PM
Does the noise seem any less crippling inside a confession booth? With his hands over his ears? Do the confession booths have doors that can be closed, fully or partially?
Hands over ears doesn't help much, but it's better than nothing. The confession booths do have doors that can be closed, though you assume the electromagnetic seals aren't working... do you enter one? (That's the only way you'll be able to tell if it helps or not).
Given that his previous searches apparently required him to enter other confession booths in order to search them, yes. He enters one. And yes, he'll try closing the doors after that, if the noise level hasn't gone down by that point.
Quote from: Viking on October 20, 2008, 12:13:40 AM
Given that his previous searches apparently required him to enter other confession booths in order to search them, yes. He enters one. And yes, he'll try closing the doors after that, if the noise level hasn't gone down by that point.
True.
(Sorry, RL's got me a little punchy right now...)
ArrMatee-R enters a booth and closes the door behind him. It's not a perfect seal, but it does cut down the noise a little. After turning on his flashlight, he peers under the bench seat and sees a kind of a panel that wasn't in the other booths he looked at. It's basically a metal box with a door in the front of it. It looks like the door requires a tool to be able to open it... but fortunately ArrMatee happens to have a suitable tool in his kit.
Do you open it?
Yes, he'll open the panel to see if it matches the description given by Elec-O.
(And don't worry about the real life thing. You've got something wonderful to be focused on, so enjoy it.)
The panel opens to reveal a large switch set inside it. There are two positions, one marked 'ON' and the other 'OFF'. Currently the switch is pointing to the 'OFF' position. There are also bolts securing the plate into which the switch is set.
ArrMatee is blissfully unaware of his previous clone's experimentation with switches. What does he do?
He does not switch it to the ON position. Not yet. Not in a confession booth in which the doors are presently closed, and which would probably become electromagnetically sealed once power was restored, when he also has a laser rifle in his possession. That sounds like a sure-fire way to activate a fresh clone, really quickly.
Of course, I'm guessing that the oppressively loud music hasn't shown any signs of abating, either. Which would rather make it impossible to get word to Elec-O.
Thus, he's going to continue putting duct tape to work. First, he's going to wad up strips of duct tape to fashion some earplugs for himself. After inserting those in his ears, he's going to take additional strips of duct tape and put them over his ears, to further insulate them against sound. (It won't be perfect, but hopefully will help him achieve his next objective.)
From inside the Confession booth, he'll try concentrating on his Empathy again, to get a sense of where people are. He'll brace himself for the expected torrent of sensations of pain from sensory overload that the various clones must be experiencing. Nevertheless, his Empathic priorities would be:
1) Does he sense any emotions unexpectedly close to his location?
2) Based on where he last suspected Elec-O to be, can he sense an emotion from that general direction, and estimate how far away he is?
3) Based on where he last suspected Spyd to be, can he sense an emotion from that general direction, and estimate how far away he is?
His subsequent action will likely depend on the intelligence that he gets.
Quote from: Viking on October 23, 2008, 10:21:19 AM
He does not switch it to the ON position. Not yet. Not in a confession booth in which the doors are presently closed, and which would probably become electromagnetically sealed once power was restored, when he also has a laser rifle in his possession. That sounds like a sure-fire way to activate a fresh clone, really quickly.
Awwwww.... You are definitely paranoid. And quite possibly correct.
Quote
Of course, I'm guessing that the oppressively loud music hasn't shown any signs of abating, either. Which would rather make it impossible to get word to Elec-O.
Now that you mention it, there is a shrieking peal of feedback then silence.
Quote
Thus, he's going to continue putting duct tape to work. First, he's going to wad up strips of duct tape to fashion some earplugs for himself. After inserting those in his ears, he's going to take additional strips of duct tape and put them over his ears, to further insulate them against sound. (It won't be perfect, but hopefully will help him achieve his next objective.)
Going to assume you don't do that, but let me know if you do anyway.
Quote
From inside the Confession booth, he'll try concentrating on his Empathy again, to get a sense of where people are. He'll brace himself for the expected torrent of sensations of pain from sensory overload that the various clones must be experiencing. Nevertheless, his Empathic priorities would be:
1) Does he sense any emotions unexpectedly close to his location?
2) Based on where he last suspected Elec-O to be, can he sense an emotion from that general direction, and estimate how far away he is?
3) Based on where he last suspected Spyd to be, can he sense an emotion from that general direction, and estimate how far away he is?
His subsequent action will likely depend on the intelligence that he gets.
1) There are fewer sources of conscious emoting than there were before, and more snoozers. Some of those still awake are unaccountably mellow. There are still a handful of hostiles remaining. Three of them are within 10 meters and are between you and the CITC entrance. They are spread out.
2) Elec-O is nearby and still anxious. He is also within 10 meters, and very close to one of the hostiles.
3) You're unable to determine which of the remaining emoters is Spyd-R, whether he is alive or dead, asleep or awake.
Okay - based on that sudden change in situation, you are correct - he does not fashion earplugs for himself. It's much more important to rescue Elec-O.
He'll open the doors and exit the confession booth. He'll leave the rolling pin next to the Confession booth (outside the booth) so that he can focus on handling the laser rifle.
Now, if Elec-O's emotional state still seemed like a general frazzled state of anxiety as opposed to a "Oh, bleep, a Commie Traitor is about to kill me," then ArrMatee will interpret that as a sign that Elec-O is still unaware of the nearby hostile.
And that, of course, means that ArrMatee doesn't want to just call out the signal, either. That would run the risk of Elec-O and a hostile bumping into each other, and the hostile bumping off Elec-O.
He will, however, attempt a Bluff Check in the darkness.
ArrMatee hollers out, "Hey, I found a loaded Cone Rifle! SWEET!"
And then he'll start moving as swiftly as he feels safe, in the direction of the traitor closest to Elec-O, laser rifle at the ready. He doesn't want to stay in one spot, for fear that a variety of hostile grenades are headed his way.